UPSC Issue at a Glance | India’s literacy drive and its fully literate states— All you need to know for UPSC Prelims and Mains

What is the issue?

Tripura attained the “full literacy” tag, with a literacy rate of 95.6 per cent, Chief Minister Manik Saha announced on June 23rd, citing data from Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) – Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram. Earlier, Mizoram and Goa also declared themselves to be “fully literate” states under ULLAS. In this context, let’s understand how states get the “fully literate” tag and government policies related to education and associated issues.

(Relevance: UPSC Syllabus General Studies-I, II: Social issues, government policies and interventions, issues relating to the development and management of the social sector/services relating to education. Questions on social issues and associated topics have become extremely important, as they are being asked not only in General Studies I or II but also as essay topics and in ethics theory and case studies. Thus, covering the topic of literacy in India in light of recent developments becomes highly relevant.)

Question 1: What is the current status of literacy in India?

India’s literacy rate was only 14% at the time of independence, which has increased over the years as more people have received better education. Statista indicates that the country achieved an approximately 76.32 per cent literacy rate in 2022; however, data still falls short of being comprehensive, as there are significant disparities in literacy rates across different states.

The total literacy rate of India, including all individuals (men and women), aged 7 and above, from rural and urban populations, accounts for 80.9% in the period 2023-24.

Among the states and UTs, Mizoram has the highest literacy rate in India. It was ranked as the third most literate state in India, with a 91.33% literacy rate according to the 2011 Census. Mizoram has recently achieved 98.2%, according to the government statement.

Contrastingly, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar recorded the lowest literacy rates in India, standing at 72.6% and 74.3%, respectively, for both urban and rural populations, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023-24 MoSPI survey.

Question 2: How is “full literacy” defined in the Indian context? 

Tripura attained the “full literacy” tag, with a literacy rate of 95.6 per cent, Goa’s literacy rate was 99.72%, and Mizoram’s stood at 98.2%. These states followed Ladakh, which was the first in the country to have declared itself “fully literate” in June last year, having “achieved more than 97% literacy”. This raises a pertinent question: What qualifies a state to be declared “fully literate” in the Indian context?

Notably, the Ministry of Education wrote to the states in August last year, defining “literacy” and “100% literacy” for ULLAS. Literacy was defined as “the ability to read, write, and compute with comprehension, i.e., to identify, understand, interpret and create, along with critical life skills such as digital literacy, financial literacy, etc.”

It added that achieving 95% literacy in a state/UT may be considered equivalent to being fully literate. The communication also referred to the National Education Policy 2020, which calls for government initiatives for adult education to “expedite the all-important aim of achieving 100% literacy”.

It mentioned the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which include ensuring that “all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy” by 2030. States were urged to strive towards this goal. Tripura, Goa, Mizoram, and Ladakh have said they surpassed the 95% literacy mark. 

Question 3: What is the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) scheme and its key features. 

ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram or New India Literacy Programme (NILP) is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented from 2022-2027. It aims to equip 5 crore ‘non-literate individuals’ over the age of 15 across the country with foundational literacy and numeracy skills, which means basic reading and writing and simple arithmetic learnt in primary classes. The teaching material is also meant to impart ‘critical life skills’ like financial and digital literacy. 

The scheme aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It is based on the spirit of Kartvya Bodh and is being implemented on volunteerism. It consists of five components: 

(i) Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, 

(ii) Critical Life Skills,

(iii) Basic Education, 

(iv) Vocational Skills, and 

(v) Continuing Education. 

Working with schools and officials, states and Union Territories have identified people who need such education through door-to-door surveys. They are then taught by registered volunteers – school students, students from higher education and teacher education institutions, and community members. The NCERT has developed the learning material, and the states have done it in their local languages. A mobile app is available for teaching and learning, but it can also be done offline.

Notably, ULLAS is the latest of the adult literacy programmes rolled out by the Indian government since the 1950s. This includes programmes targeting farmers and women in the 1960s and ’70s, and a country-wide programme called the National Adult Education Programme for the 15-35 age group. Then came the National Literacy Mission from 1988 to 2009 for this bracket.

The government launched the ‘Saakshar Bharat’ (Literate India) scheme in 2009, and it ran until 2018. It equipped those aged 15 and above with functional literacy and was also linked to opportunities for skill development and further education. ULLAS also includes these goals.

Question 4: What are India’s various education policies towards increasing the literacy rate?

India has implemented several education policies and initiatives over the years to increase its literacy rate and improve the quality of education. These initiatives have aimed to address issues such as access to education, quality of education, and the reduction of educational disparities. Some of the key policy measures are:

📌Right to Education (RTE) Act: Enacted in 2009, the RTE Act is a landmark legislation that makes education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14 years. It mandates free and compulsory education, establishes minimum standards for schools, and prohibits practices like discrimination and corporal punishment. The act aims to ensure equitable access to quality education for all children.

📌National Education Policy 2020: NEP 2020 is a transformative blueprint for educational reform. It emphasizes foundational literacy and numeracy, promotes multilingualism, integrates vocational education, and fosters technology-enabled learning. With a focus on holistic development, the policy aims to equip students with 21st-century skills. It also advocates teacher training and professional development.

📌Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: The Ministry of Education’s Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is a comprehensive school education program. It combines three Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS): Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE).

📌PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India): It is an initiative run by the Union Ministry of School Education and Literacy. It intends to improve 14,500 schools to “showcase” the NEP, 2020, and be “exemplars” for other schools in their region. The scheme is for existing elementary, secondary, and senior secondary schools run by the central government and state and local governments around the country.

📌Digital India and E-learning Initiatives: In recent years, the Digital India campaign has aimed to leverage technology for educational transformation. Initiatives like DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) provide digital content and resources to teachers and students. The move towards e-learning and digital classrooms has been accelerated to bridge gaps in access to quality education, especially in remote areas.

📌Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: This initiative aims to promote the education of the girl child and address gender disparities in education. By raising awareness about the importance of girls’ education and providing incentives, it seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.

📌PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme: It is a Central Sector scheme to provide financial support to students so that financial constraints do not prevent anyone from pursuing higher studies. Under the scheme,  students admitted to quality higher education institutions (QHEIs) are eligible for collateral-free and guarantor-free education loans. Students will be provided a 75% credit guarantee by the central government for loans up to Rs 7.5 lakh. Students, with an annual family income of up to Rs 8 lakh, who are ineligible for benefits under any other government scholarship or interest subvention schemes, will be provided 3% interest subvention for loans up to Rs 10 lakh during the moratorium period.

These initiatives reflect India’s commitment to improving literacy rates and educational quality across the country. While challenges remain, these policies signify a concerted effort to provide accessible, equitable, and quality education to all citizens, thereby contributing to the nation’s socio-economic development.

1. Equity and Inclusion: Disparities persist based on socio-economic status, gender, and caste. Not all social groups have equal access to the expanding educational opportunities in India. Various marginalized communities often have limited access to quality education. 

2. Disparities in Quality: Despite increased enrollment, ensuring quality education remains a challenge. Disparities exist between urban and rural areas, private and public schools, and among states.

3. Dropout Rates: Despite efforts, dropout rates at various educational levels remain high due to factors like poverty, child labor and lack of infrastructure.

4. Teacher Quality: The quality of education is heavily dependent on well-trained and motivated teachers. However, teacher shortages, uneven qualifications, and inadequate training persist.

5. Administrative Challenges: Bureaucratic red tape slows down policy implementation, hindering the effectiveness of educational programs.

In conclusion, though, India’s educational programmes have made progress in expanding access and introducing innovative policies, challenges related to equity, quality, teacher training, and curriculum need attention. Addressing these hurdles requires a multi-faceted approach that combines policy reforms, investments in infrastructure, teacher development, and a commitment to holistic education that nurtures critical thinking and practical skills.

Post Read Questions

Prelims

(1) Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education? (UPSC CSE 2012)

1. Directive Principles of State Policy

2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies

3. Fifth Schedule

4. Sixth Schedule

5. Seventh Schedule

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3, 4 and 5 only

(c) 1, 2 and 5 only

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

(2) Consider the following statements with reference to the ULLAS initiative:

1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented from 2022-2027.

2. It is being implemented on volunteerism.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

(3) With reference to the PM SHRI scheme, consider the following statements:

1. It is a scheme under the Union Ministry of School Education and Literacy.

2. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

3. It aims to transform only the primary schools and not higher secondary schools.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

(4) Which among the following are the components of ULLAS scheme:

1. Critical Life Skills

2. Basic Education

3. Vocational Skills

4. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2, 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Mains

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

(Sources: Tripura is now a fully literate state, says CM Manik Saha, Top 10 Indian states/UTs with highest and lowest literacy rates: Mizoram becomes 1st ‘fully literate’ state, UPSC Essentials | Society and Social Justice — Literacy and associated issues (Part 3), Annual Status of Education Report (Rural)

ALSO READ

UPSC Essentials | Society & Social Justice : Literacy and associated issues (Part 1)

UPSC Essentials | Society & Social Justice : Literacy and associated issues (Part 3)

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