The Government of India has decided to organise a literacy week from 1st September to 8th September 2023 to celebrate International Literacy Day for generating awareness among all the stakeholders/ beneficiaries/ citizens about the ULLAS- Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. The week-long literacy campaign shall enable mass participation to inculcate a sense of Kartavyabodh and Janbhagidari in each and every citizen of the nation. This vision would popularise the scheme and help us attain the goal of making India fully literate.
The literacy week would encompass a spectrum of activities (given below) followed by the celebration of International Literacy Day on 8th September 2023. Another main objective will be to increase the number of registrations for learners and volunteers on the ULLAS mobile app. Students of Govt./aided schools,CBSE affiliated Schools,NVS, KVS, Teacher Training Institutions under NCTE, HEIs (Degree colleges/Technical institutions) under a University/AICTE, Scouts and Guides, NYKS, NCC, NSS Volunteers, Anganwadi Workers, Gram Panchayats, Farmers, Women, Retired Employee etc.Retired Employees, ICDS/ One Stop Centres, Members of Schools Management Committees, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Neo-literates, Non-literates, etc. and citizen of country are going to partake in the campaign.
An Overview of the News
- The Literacy Week aims to encourage mass participation and inculcate a sense of responsibility among all citizens in achieving complete literacy in India.
- Various stakeholders including students, teachers, volunteers, government employees and citizens will participate in the campaign.
- Ullas- New India Literacy Program is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which will run from 2022 to 2027.
- The scheme comprises five components: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Important Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills and Continuing Education.
- The scheme’s logo and slogan, “Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society” (ULLAS) and “Jan Jan Sakshar,” were launched by the Union Education Minister, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, on July 29, 2023, during the celebration of the 3rd anniversary of NEP 2020 in New Delhi.
Important Points:
- International Literacy Day, observed annually on 8 September, advocates for the celebration of literacy as both a fundamental human right and a tool to address various social issues.
- The ULLAS Mobile App serves as a platform where learners and volunteers can connect with literacy and educational programs.
- The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is a comprehensive framework in India designed to revamp the education system in line with the demands of the 21st century.
- DIKSHA Portal is a digital platform that provides access to a wide range of educational resources for students.