Leh
Leh: Ladakh has been declared as the administrative unit to achieve “full functional literacy” under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, after having achieved more than 97% literacy. The declaration was made by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Dr. B.D. Mishra, in a celebration at Sindhu Sanskritik Kendra (SSK) here on June 24, 2024.
This milestone reflects Ladakh’s commitment to empowering its citizens through foundational literacy and numeracy, and critical life skills for all, Dr Mishra said.
The ceremony included the felicitation of neo-literates and volunteer teachers and the launch of the Annual Achievement Report 2023 of the school department.
Dr Mishra motivated the new learners and volunteers to continue on the path of learning throughout their lives. He said it is the parent’s responsibility to send their children to school. He also exhorted the students to not only look for jobs but also think of creating jobs. He referred to the New Education Policy 2020 and said that the policy paves the way for the future growth of the country.
Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India, congratulated the people of Ladakh on this achievement and assured that the Ministry of Education will extend all possible support to improve the school education system of Ladakh. He also highlighted that the entire ULLAS model is based on volunteerism in which volunteers register through the ULLAS Mobile App without any expectation of reward and simply teach the non-literates, which is the true beauty of this program. He also mentioned the inspiring stories of perseverance, such as taking exams in snowy conditions, underscore Ladakh’s passion for literacy.
It may be mentioned that ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram or New India Literacy Programme (NILP) is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented from 2022-2027. The scheme aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to empower those adults aged 15 years and above from all backgrounds who could not get due schooling and mainstream them with society to be able to contribute more to the growth story of the country. The scheme consists of five components – Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills, and Continuing Education. The vision of the ULLAS Scheme is to make Bharat – Jan Jan Saakshar and is based on the spirit of Kartvya Bodh and is being implemented on volunteerism. The scheme has benefitted more than 77 Lakhs people till now across the country.
– global bihari bureau
