Ladakh achieves full functional literacy under ULLAS

New Delhi [India], June 25 (ANI): Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Dr BD Mishra, declared Ladakh the administrative unit to achieve full functional literacy under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, after having achieved more than 97 per cent literacy, said a statement from the Ministry of Education on Tuesday.

This milestone reflects Ladakh’s commitment to empowering its citizens through foundational literacy and numeracy and critical life skills for all. Dr Mishra informed this in a celebration at Sindhu Sanskritik Kendra (SSK), Leh, added the statement.

The ceremony included the felicitation of neo-literates and volunteer teachers and the launch of the 2023 Annual Achievement Report of the school department. dignitaries visited the ULLAS Mela.

While addressing the event, 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. Praising Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for introducing the NEP 2020, he said that the policy paves the way for the future growth of the country.

While addressing the audience, Sanjay Kumar congratulated the people of Ladakh on this momentous achievement and assured them that the Ministry of Education will extend all possible support to improve the school education system of Ladakh. He reiterated that education has the power to change the world. As the name ULLAS suggests, it can bring immense joy to new learners, he said.

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-literate, which is the true beauty of this programme. He also mentioned the inspiring stories of perseverance, such as taking exams in snowy conditions, which underscore Ladakh’s passion for literacy. This achievement sets the stage for lasting positive change and endless opportunities in Ladakh, Shri Sanjay Kumar added.

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, which is based on the spirit of Kartvya Bodh and is being implemented through volunteerism. The scheme has benefitted more than 77 lakh people till now across the country. The ULLAS Mobile App has more than 1.29 crore learners and 35 lakh volunteer teachers.