Union Territory of Ladakh achieves full functional Literacy ULLAS

According to the Union Ministry of Education, the Union Territory of Ladakh has achieved full functional literacy under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. According to the Union Education Ministry, Ladakh has achieved more than 97 percent literacy. This information was given by the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Dr B.D Mishra on 25 June 2024 at a function in Sindhu Sanskritik Kendra (SSK), Leh.

According to the Education Ministry, more than 77 lakh people have benefitted from the scheme across the country till date. More than 1.29 crore learners and 35 lakh volunteer teachers are enrolled on the ULLAS Mobile App. 

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India, said that the  Ministry of Education will extend all possible support to improve the school education system of Ladakh.

A person who is 7 years  and above of age and who cannot read and write in any language is called illiterate in India. According to the 2011 census the number of  non-literates in the 15 years and above age group was 25.76 crore of which 9.08 crore were male and 16.68 crore females.

ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram

The ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram is a centrally sponsored scheme being implemented from 2022-23 to 2026-27.

The scheme seeks to cover all aspects of Adult Education to align with the National Education Policy(NEP) 2020. The NEP 2020 has recommendations for Adult Education and Lifelong Learning.

Outlay  for the Scheme 

The total outlay for the scheme is Rs.1037.90 crore for 2022-23 to 2026-27 duration. The government of India's share is Rs.700 crore, and the state's share is  Rs.337.90 crore.   

Aim and Target of the Scheme 

• Non-literates of 15 years and above in all States/UTs in the country will be covered under the scheme.
• The target for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy is five crore learners or one crore learners per year. 
• The whole scheme is being implemented through online mode and the teachers will be volunteers. 
• The volunteer teachers will conduct the class in online mode through the ULLAS app.

Component of the  ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram Scheme 

The scheme has five components, namely;

• Foundational Literacy and Numeracy- It means the ability to read and write and count,
• Critical Life Skills - These include digital literacy, legal literacy,  financial literacy, healthcare and awareness, childcare and education, family welfare, etc.),
• Basic Education- It includes education up to secondary stage (classes 9-12).
• Vocational Skills- These include suitable skill development to obtain employment,
• Continuing Education. 

About Union Territory of Ladakh 

The Union Territory of Ladakh came into existence on 31 October 2019 with the enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019. 

The Act split the state of Jammu and Kashmir into the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh.

Capital: Leh 

Lieutenant Governor: Dr B.D Mishra