In recent times, significant strides have been made in improving the female literacy rate in Sangareddy district, Telangana, thanks to the concerted efforts of the district administration. The current national female literacy rate in India stands at 65.46% according to statistics. One of the key actions taken by the district management involves the implementation of the ‘Ammaku Akshara Mala’ initiative. This initiative encourages students in Classes VII to X to take up the responsibility of educating their mothers in reading and writing the Telugu alphabets.
Introduction of the ‘Ammaku Akshara Mala’
The district administration has devised “Ammaku Akshara Mala,” a unique initiative aimed at promoting literacy among adult women. The administration involved students in Grades VII through X and encouraged them to teach their mothers, primarily Self-Help Group members with little or no literacy, the Telugu alphabet.
The role of the Saakshar Bharat Mission
The introduction of ‘Ammaku Akshara Mala’ was designed to complement the efforts of the Saakshar Bharat Mission (SBM). Established in 2009, this mission aimed to raise literacy levels across India, targeting an ambitious 80% literacy rate. The mission’s focus was to enhance literacy among adult women, recognising their vital role in society.
SBM prioritises not just basic literacy skills but also aims to create awareness about social disparities and the deprivation of means for amelioration and general well being. It has four broad objectives: Imparting functional literacy and numeracy to non-literates, acquiring equivalency to the formal educational system, imparting relevant skill development programs, and promoting a learning society by providing opportunities for continuing education.
Key Aims of the Saakshar Bharat Mission
| Objectives |
|---|
| Imparting functional literacy and numeracy to non-literates |
| Acquiring equivalency to the formal educational system |
| Imparting relevant skill development programs |
| Promoting a learning society by providing opportunities for continuing education |
Target Population and Funding
The primary target of the SBM is to impart functional literacy to 70 million non-literate adults, aged 15 years and above. This massive initiative operates under a centrally-sponsored scheme, ensuring that necessary funds and resources are allocated to achieving the outlined objectives.
Through progressive initiatives such as the ‘Ammaku Akshara Mala’ and the supporting framework provided by the Saakshar Bharat Mission, there is an optimistic outlook on the strides to be made in improving literacy rates, especially amongst adult women in India.
Source: TH
