India has recently revealed the New India Literacy Programme, a scheme for the fiscal years 2022 to 2027, set out to cover all aspects of Adult Education aligning with the National Education Policy 2020. This scheme is expected to increase accessibility to resources, introducing online modules that cover full spectrum of adult education.
Financial Outlay
The proposed total estimate for the scheme comes around Rs.1037.90 crore, which consists of the Central share of Rs. 700 crore and State share of Rs. 337.90 crore for the FYs 2022 -27. The traditional term “Adult Education” will soon be replaced by “Education For All”.
The Objective of New India Literacy Programme
The New India Literacy Programme aims not only to provide basic literacy and numeracy but also addresses other components critical for a citizen of the 21st century like critical life skills including financial literacy, digital literacy, commercial skills, health care awareness, child care and education, and family welfare. It will also focus on vocational skills development, basic education, and continuing education.
Scheme Implementation
The program’s implementation will be carried out through volunteerism via online mode. Training, orientation, and workshops for the volunteers can be organized through face-to-face mode. All material and resources will be provided digitally, and schools will be the key unit for the execution of this scheme.
Target Audience of the Scheme
The scheme targets non-literates aged 15 years and above across all states and union territories in the country. The objective is to reach five crore learners at the rate of one crore per year, utilizing the “Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment System (OTLAS)” in collaboration with National Informatics Centre, NCERT, and NIOS.
Necessity of the Scheme
As per Census 2011, the country houses close to 25.76 crore non-literates of 15 years and above. Considering the progress under the Saakshar Bharat programme implemented during 2009-10 to 2017-18, where 7.64 crore individuals became literate, it is currently estimated that around 18.12 crore adults are still non-literate in India.
Additional Initiatives
Alongside New India Literacy Programme, other initiatives are also in place aimed at enhancing literacy and digital skills across the nation. The National Skill Development Corporation aims to promote skill development by providing financial support to vocational institutions. The Digital India Programme restructures existing schemes and implements them in a synchronized manner. The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan, one of the largest initiatives, targets making citizens digitally literate. The National Digital Literacy Mission is working towards empowering at least one person per household with crucial digital literacy skills by 2020. Samagra Shiksha is an integrated scheme for school education from pre-school to class XII ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education.
Moving Forward
Real emancipation of the people can be achieved through comprehensive education systems that cater not only to children but also to working adults. National educational plans should include schooling for kids and literacy training for adults as parallel elements to ensure overall development of the nation.