Context:

• On its 39th Statehood Day on 30 May 2025, Goa achieved the target of 100% literacy under the ‘ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram’ (ULLAS).

Key Points:

• This achievement makes Goa the second fully literate state in the country after Mizoram.
• Realizing the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Goa not only surpassed the national benchmark of 95% but also focused on all aspects of functional literacy, including reading, writing, and numeracy.

Strategy and Implementation:

• Whole-of-Government Approach: The Goa government ensured identification and outreach of illiterate individuals through coordination among departments like Panchayati Raj, Urban Administration, Social Welfare, Planning & Statistics, Women & Child Development.
• Role of Volunteers: Swayampurna Mitras and field workers played a crucial role in door-to-door identification, enrollment of illiterates, and helping them obtain literacy certificates.
• Awareness Campaigns: Awareness drives were conducted to highlight the importance of literacy in society, which boosted community participation and adult education.

Program Features:

• ULLAS Program: A central government initiative aiming to achieve 100% literacy across India by 2030.
• Functional Literacy: Emphasis was placed not only on reading and writing but also on essential numeracy and practical knowledge needed for daily life.
• Literacy Rate: Goa claimed 100% literacy based on its internal survey, whereas the PLFS 2023–24 reported a literacy rate of 93.6%. This difference is attributed to state government efforts and central recognition.

Social and Policy Impact:

• Role Model: Goa’s achievement serves as inspiration for policymakers and other states, demonstrating that strong political will, administrative coordination, and community involvement can lead to high literacy goals.
• Inclusive Development: Participation of women, marginalized, and rural communities promoted social inclusion.
• Impact of NEP 2020: Special emphasis on adult education, lifelong learning, and life skills under NEP 2020 was effectively implemented at the grassroots level in Goa.

‘ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram’:

• A centrally sponsored scheme.
• Implemented by the Government of India for the period 2022–2027.
• Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020.
• Aims to make adults aged 15 years and above, who missed formal schooling, literate.

Primary Objectives:

• Provide Foundational Literacy & Numeracy.
• Impart Critical Life Skills: Financial, digital, health, child care, family welfare, etc.
• Basic Education: Primary, secondary, or equivalent levels.
• Vocational Skills Development: For local employment opportunities.
• Continuing Education: Courses for adults in arts, science, technology, culture, sports, etc.

Key Implementation Points:

• Volunteer-based Model: Implemented through volunteers who guide and train learners.
• Digital Platforms: Online registration, learning, and assessment via ‘ULLAS’ mobile app, DIKSHA portal, and other digital tools.
• Certification: Literacy certificates jointly issued by NIOS and DSEL.
• Target: To make 5 crore (50 million) adults literate during 2022–27 (1 crore per year).
• Financial Outlay: ₹1037.90 crore (Centre: ₹700 crore, State: ₹337.90 crore).

Features:

• Inclusivity: Covers illiterates aged 15 and above in all states/UTs.
• Social Responsibility: Promotes a sense of ‘Kartavya Bodh’ (sense of duty) and community participation.
• • Continuous Progress: Digital certificates for learners and educators encourage confidence and lifelong learning.

National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020):

Introduction:

• Announced by the Government of India on 29 July 2020.
• The first comprehensive education reform since the 1986 policy.
• Aims to make India a global knowledge superpower and reshape education to be inclusive, holistic, flexible, and suitable for 21st-century needs.

Main Goals:

• Achieve 100% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2030.
• Ensure public expenditure on education reaches 6% of GDP.
• Provide quality, inclusive, and equitable education for all.
• Emphasize the holistic development of students – physical, mental, social, moral.
• Promote technical, vocational, and skill-based education.

Key Features:

Structure (5+3+3+4):

• 5 Years: Foundational Stage (3 years pre-primary + Classes 1–2)
• 3 Years: Preparatory Stage (Classes 3–5)
• 3 Years: Middle Stage (Classes 6–8)
• 4 Years: Secondary Stage (Classes 9–12)

Mizoram’s Literacy Rate:

• In 2025, Mizoram became India’s first “Fully Literate State” with a literacy rate of 98.2%.
• This achievement came after surpassing the 95% benchmark set by the Ministry of Education.
• According to the PLFS 2023–24 survey, Mizoram's literacy rate was recorded at 98.2%.
• As per Census 2011, the state's literacy rate was 91.33%, which has now risen significantly.
• Mizoram overtook states like Kerala and Tripura to attain this position.
• Under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, the state focused on adult education, functional literacy, and digital and financial literacy.
• The definition of literacy now includes not just reading and writing, but also comprehension, numeracy, digital, and life skills.
• The Mizoram government is now taking new steps towards digital literacy and continuing education.

Note:

Kerala had consistently maintained the highest literacy rate (93.91%) based on the 2011 Census and later estimates. However, Mizoram surpassed Kerala in 2025.