The New India Literacy Programme (NILP) in Goa is a statewide adult literacy initiative implemented under ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram with the vision of “Jan-Jan Sakshar – Education for All.” Through coordinated multiple Government Departments, community participation, volunteer-led teaching, and localized literacy interventions, Goa achieved a literacy rate of 99.72% and was declared a “Fully Literate State.”
Objectives of the programme:
To provide foundational literacy and numeracy skills, promote lifelong learning, and strengthen community participation in literacy development.
Contribution to SDGs:
SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 5 – Gender Equality; SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities.
Programme contribution to SDGs:
The programme promotes inclusive and equitable quality education through adult literacy and lifelong learning opportunities.
ULLAS MELA
An ULLAS Mela was organized by SCERT for Neo illiterates on January 26, 2025. The event included the felicitation of learners from all 12 talukas who appeared for the FLNATs held on March 17, 2024, July 14, 2024. Activities such as exhibition stalls, sharing of experiences by volunteer teachers and learners, panel discussions, and cultural programs were organized for the Mela. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa was the Chief Guest for the inaugural ceremony along with Chairman GEDC, Secretary Education, Director of Education, Director SCERT and Director Administration SCERT.
ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram Implementation in Goa
The ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme), implemented by the Goa State Council of Educational Research and Training (GSCERT) under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, aims to achieve universal literacy among non-literate persons aged 15 years and above in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The programme is based on the principle of volunteerism and promotes lifelong learning under the motto “Jan-Jan Sakshar.”
To identify and educate non-literate individuals, GSCERT collaborated with schools, higher educational institutions, Goa Samagra Shiksha, retired teachers, Resource Adult Trainee Coordinators (RATCs), Panchayats, Municipalities, Social Welfare Department, and other government agencies. Awareness campaigns, literacy drives, rallies, Literacy Week celebrations, and ULLAS Melas were organized across the State to encourage participation and promote the importance of literacy.
Through extensive surveys and data collection, 6,299 non-literate individuals were identified across Goa. Of these, 2,136 learners expressed willingness to participate and were provided training using specially developed ULLAS primers in Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, and English. All 2,136 learners subsequently appeared for the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT), and successfully attained literacy certification through the programme.
The initiative has significantly contributed towards enhancing literacy levels in Goa. Based on certificates received from Panchayats and Municipal bodies and the successful training of identified learners, Goa has achieved an estimated literacy rate of approximately 99.72%, which is substantially higher than the 95% benchmark prescribed by the Ministry of Education for declaring a State fully literate. This achievement represents a major milestone in the State’s efforts towards achieving full literacy and contributes to the national vision of a fully literate India by 2030.
