Context: 

Recently, Ladakh achieved full functional literacy under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.

More on the news

• Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, on 24 June 2024 declared Ladakh as the administrative unit to achieve Functional Literacy of more than 97% under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.
• The milestone ceremony held by the state government in Sindhu Sanskritik Kendra (SSK) in Ladakh.
• The ceremony included the felicitation of neo-literates and volunteer teachers and the launch of the Annual Achievement Report 2023 of the school department. dignitaries visited the ULLAS Mela.
• To achieve the target of 100% literacy by 2030, the Government of India has implemented ‘Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakaram’ or New India Literacy Programme (NILP). 

Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS)

• 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 National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 recommendations.
• It aims to empower 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.
• Vision of the schemes: To make Bharat - Jan Jan Saakshar (Literate India for All) based on the spirit of Kartvya Bodh (duty) and is being implemented on volunteerism.

The scheme consists of five components – 

• Foundational Literacy and Numeracy 
• Critical Life Skills
• Basic Education
• Vocational Skills
• Continuing Education. 

• The ULLAS Mobile App has more than 1.29 Crore learners and 35 lakh volunteer teachers.
• This program offers a comprehensive approach to adult education in India.
• The target for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy will be achieved at the rate of one crore learners per year by using an "Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment System (OTLAS)" in collaboration with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).