Mizoram as India’s First Fully Literate State

Context

Mizoram has been declared India’s first fully literate state, marking a historic milestone in the state’s educational journey. 

About Literacy

• As per the Office of the Registrar General of India, a literate individual is someone aged 7 or above who can study and write with understanding in any language.
• The Department of School Education and Literacy has added a polished definition of literacy aligned with NEP 2020 and SDG 4.6 aspirations.
• Literacy is now described as the capacity to examine, write, and compute with comprehension, in conjunction with critical life skills along with digital and economic literacy. This extended definition aims to ensure full societal participation and financial progress. 
• A state/UT attaining 95% literacy is taken into consideration completely literate. 

Present Status 

• India’s overall literacy rate for people elderly 7 and above, across both rural and concrete areas, stands at 8.9% for the period 2023–24.
• India’s literacy rate has grown from 14% at independence to about 80.Nine% in 2023–24.
• Mizoram has accomplished “full literacy” status, reaching 98.2%, surpassing the 95% threshold set by the Ministry of Education as per the 2023–24 PLFS survey.
• Earlier, Ladakh has become the first administrative unit to declare full purposeful literacy under ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society).
• Andhra Pradesh (72.6%) and Bihar (74.3%) have the lowest literacy rates, per the PLFS 2023–24 MoSPI survey.

ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme) 

• It is a centrally backed scheme (2022–2027) aligned with NEP 2020, aimed at teaching adults elderly 15+ who missed formal education.
• It has 5 components- Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills and Continuing Education. 
• It aims to make Bharat – Jan Jan Saakshar and is based on the spirit of Kartavya Bodh and is being implemented on volunteerism.

Source: The ToI

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate on your answer. (2020)

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