Govt approves New India Literacy Programme; Adult education renamed 'Education For All'

NEW DELHI: The Union government has approved the launch of the New India Literacy Programme, a government scheme for educating non-literates above the age of 15 years with foundational literacy, numeracy, critical life skills, vocational skills development, basic education and provide continuing education opportunities. The term “education for all” will be used instead of “adult education” by the ministry as the latter does not include all above age 15.

According to a statement from the ministry of education, the New India Literacy Programme by the ministry of education intends to provide education to non-literates above the age of 15 years. The scheme has set a target to provide foundational literacy and numeracy education to 5 crore individuals within the financial years 2022-27. Learners will be able to enrol for the programme by registering at the Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment System (OTLAS). This has been formed by collaborating with National Informatics Centre, National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).

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“The scheme will be implemented through volunteerism through online mode. The training, orientation, workshops of volunteers, may be organized through face-to-face mode. All material and resources shall be provided digitally for easy access to registered volunteers through easily accessible digital modes, viz, TV, radio, cell phone-based free or open-source Apps, portals, etc.,” said the statement.

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The scheme is launched adhering to the National Education Policy 2020, which recommends adult education and lifelong learning, and budget announcements 2021-22. It is approved for the financial years of 2022 to 2027. The programme will be implemented by using schools across the country.