Why in News?
- Himachal Pradesh declared a ‘fully literate state’ (5th such after Kerala, Goa, Mizoram, Tripura).
- Literacy drive under ULAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative of Ministry of Education.
- Achievement: Literacy rate above 95% + functional literacy coverage.
Relevance:
- GS II – Governance: Implementation of adult literacy schemes, ULAS initiative, functional literacy.
- GS I – Society: Literacy as a social indicator, gender equity, lifelong learning.
Basics
- Definition of Literacy (MoE): Ability to read, write, understand, and perform basic calculations; includes digital/financial literacy.
- Census 2011: Literacy = ability to read & write with understanding in any language (for 7+ population).
- India’s literacy rate (2011): 74% (male 82%, female 65%).
- Adult Literacy Schemes in India:
- 1960s–70s: Targeted adult literacy drives.
- National Literacy Mission (1988–2009): Functional literacy.
- National Adult Education Programme (1978): Literacy for 15–35 years.
- Saakshar Bharat Mission (2009–18): Literacy + numeracy, esp. for women.
- ULAS (2022): Linked with SDG 2030 & NEP 2020; targets 100% functional literacy.
Overview
Significance of Himachal’s Achievement
- Educational success: Literacy rate ~99% (higher than national avg. of 74%).
- Equity factor: Narrow gender gap compared to other states.
- Policy alignment: Advances SDG 4 (Quality Education) & NEP 2020.
Methodology of Declaring ‘Fully Literate’
- Functional Literacy & Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) conducted.
- Training via mobile apps, volunteers, or NIOS certification.
- Target: Adults (15+) who missed schooling.
Challenges Highlighted
- Quality vs Quantity: Literacy measured as basic ability to read/write, not comprehension depth.
- Digital divide: Functional literacy now includes digital/financial skills; gaps remain.
- Dropouts & NEP goals: High GER (Gross Enrolment Ratio) needed to sustain future literacy.
- Migration & demographic shifts: May distort literacy statistics at local levels.
Comparative Data
- Himachal 95%+ literacy vs national average 74%.
- Kerala still top performer (~96%).
- States with lowest literacy: Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand (Census 2011).
- PLFS 2023-24: Adult illiteracy still at 7.75% (15+) nationally.
Policy Implications
- ULAS = shift from basic literacy → lifelong learning & skill literacy.
- Localised strategies needed (hill states vs BIMARU states).
- Integration with digital India, financial inclusion, and employment-linked literacy.
