Panaji: Goa today achieved full functional literacy under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, becoming the second state in India to surpass the 95% literacy benchmark outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Goa’s Chief Minister, Dr. Pramod Sawant, announced this during the state’s 39th Statehood Day celebration on May 30, 2025, at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir in Panaji.
The event, attended by Cabinet Ministers, the Chief Secretary of Goa, the Joint Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy Archana Sharma Awasthi, other dignitaries, and citizens, marked a milestone in India’s goal of full literacy by 2030.
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Report 2023-24 recorded Goa’s literacy rate at 93.60%, among the highest in India, with strong performance across male and female populations, but a state survey confirmed Goa has now achieved full literacy.
The state employed a whole-of-government approach, with the Directorate of Panchayats, Directorate of Municipal Administration, Directorate of Social Welfare, Directorate of Planning & Statistics, and Directorate of Women & Child Development collaborating to identify non-literate individuals. Swayampurna Mitras conducted awareness campaigns, supported literacy certification, and facilitated learning module integration, while Social Welfare Department field workers aided identification efforts.
The Goa Education team, including the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), local administrations, school heads, and volunteers, was commended for its role.
The ULLAS scheme, a centrally sponsored programme running from 2022 to 2027, targets adults aged 15 and above with components including foundational literacy and numeracy, critical life skills, basic education, vocational skills, and continuing education.
Nationwide, over 1.77 crore learners have participated in the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT), with more than 2.40 crore learners and 41 lakh volunteer teachers registered on the ULLAS Mobile app.
Goa’s success highlights the impact of volunteer-driven, inter-departmental literacy campaigns, setting a model for other states in support of the Viksit Bharat vision and “Jan-Jan Sakshar” goal.
On the same day, Prime MinisterNarendra Modi extended greetings to the people of Goa on their Statehood Day via a post on X, stating, “Goa’s unique culture is India’s pride. Goan people have made a strong mark in diverse sectors. This state has always been drawing people from all over the world. Over the last decade, a lot of work has been done that is furthering Goa’s progress. May the state continue to scale new heights of development,” Modi said.
Additionally, on May 29, 2025, Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh visited Goa, interacting with Indian Navy personnel involved in the initial phase of Operation Sindoor. At INS Hansa, he received a Guard of Honour and reviewed maritime operations and unit preparedness. Addressing officers and sailors aboard INS Vikrant off the Goa coast on May 30, 2025, Singh described Operation Sindoor as India’s frontal assault against terrorism, noting that the Carrier Battle Group ensured the Pakistani Navy remained confined to the Makran Coast. He warned Pakistan against any “evil or unethical” actions, stating that the Indian Navy would lead New Delhi’s response. Singh commended the Navy’s “silent service” during the operation, emphasising its role in deterring Pakistani naval movements.
– global bihari bureau
