Goa Declared Fully Literate Under ULLAS

On the momentous occasion of Goa’s 39th Statehood Day, celebrated on May 30, 2025, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant officially declared Goa as a fully literate state under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme). This landmark achievement marks Goa as the second state in India to cross the nationally prescribed 95% literacy benchmark, reaffirming its position as a frontrunner in India’s educational progress.

Goa’s Literacy Achievement: A National Benchmark Crossed

The announcement was made at a grand event held at Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir, Panaji, in the presence of:

• Cabinet Ministers
• Chief Secretary of Goa
• Smt. Archana Sharma Awasthi, Joint Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education
• Other dignitaries and citizens of the state

As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Report 2023-24, Goa’s literacy rate stood at 93.60%, already among the highest in the country. However, Goa’s internal survey showed that the state had exceeded this figure, achieving complete literacy and thereby setting a new standard.

Whole-of-Government Approach: A Model for Collaborative Success

This remarkable achievement was made possible through a Whole-of-Government approach, where multiple departments worked together seamlessly, including:

• Directorate of Panchayats
• Directorate of Municipal Administration
• Directorate of Social Welfare
• Directorate of Planning & Statistics
• Directorate of Women & Child Development

These departments played a crucial role in identifying non-literate individuals within their respective domains and ensuring their enrolment in literacy programmes.

Community Participation Through Swayampurna Mitras and Field Workers

A key highlight of Goa’s literacy success was the active engagement of communities:

• Swayampurna Mitras carried out awareness campaigns, helped learners receive literacy certificates, and supported their transition into structured learning modules.
• Field workers from the Social Welfare Department contributed significantly by helping locate and enroll non-literates.

This volunteer-driven model of implementation exemplifies the “Jan-Jan Sakshar” spirit of the ULLAS scheme and proves how grassroots involvement leads to sustainable success.

Appreciation for the Goa Education Team

The achievement was a result of the dedicated efforts of the:

• Goa Education Department
• SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training)
• Local administrators
• School heads
• Thousands of volunteers

Their commitment underscores the importance of people-centric, inter-departmental collaboration in achieving national literacy goals.

ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram: A Vision for Viksit Bharat

The ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, launched in 2022, is a centrally sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Education. The programme aims to achieve full literacy in India by 2030, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The scheme includes five key components:

1. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
2. Critical Life Skills
3. Basic Education
4. Vocational Skills
5. Continuing Education

Focused on adults aged 15 and above, the programme promotes inclusive learning for those who missed out on formal education.

Nationwide Impact of ULLAS Scheme

• Over 2.40 crore learners and 41 lakh volunteer teachers are registered on the ULLAS Mobile App.
• More than 1.77 crore learners have taken part in the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).

Goa’s literacy milestone stands as a beacon of progress, illustrating what public participation, strong governance, and innovative implementation can achieve.