Despite the achievements of the Saakshar Bharat programme, which certified 7.64 crore individuals as literate between 2009-10 and 2017-18, an estimated 18.12 crore adults in India are still non-literate.
A letter addressed to all States, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has clarified the definition of ‘literacy’ and what constitutes ‘full literacy,’ in light of the renewed focus on adult literacy through the New India Literacy Programme (NILP). This five-year initiative (2022-27) aims to enroll one crore learners annually, aged 15 and above, across all States and Union Territories.
In the letter, School Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar explains that literacy encompasses the ability to read, write, and perform basic calculations with comprehension. This includes the capacity to identify, understand, interpret, and create, along with acquiring essential life skills such as digital and financial literacy. To achieve ‘full literacy’—equivalent to 100% literacy—a State or Union Territory must attain a 95% literacy rate.
Mr. Kumar further states that, under the NILP, a non-literate individual can be considered literate, according to the defined criteria, once they have been declared so after passing the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).
Data reveals that in 2023, a total of 39,94,563 adult learners took the FLNAT exams held in March and September, of which 36,17,303 were certified as ‘literate.’
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