VoL Desk, June 30: Sh. Sanjeev Khirwar (IAS), the Principal Secretary, made a visit to the New India Literacy Programme (NILP) center in Igoo, Kharu zone, in the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh to assess the proper functioning of the Adult Learning Centers and to review the preparedness for the 2nd Foundation Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test scheduled for July 23rd, 2023. The test is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) in Ladakh.

The New India Literacy Programme is an ambitious government initiative aimed at achieving 100% adult literacy in the country. It targets illiterate individuals aged 15 years and above, providing them with foundational literacy and numeracy education, as well as critical life skills. The School Education Department of Ladakh has identified a total of 32,042 adult illiterates through an internal survey, and the program is being implemented in five components, including Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Vocational Skills Development, Basic Education, and Continuing Education. Adult learners have been provided with books and stationary items to facilitate their learning journey.

Under the scheme, the Administration of Ladakh has established 1038 Literacy Centers across the region, engaging 1257 Voluntary Trainers to conduct literacy classes. The ambitious target set by the UT of Ladakh is to achieve 100% adult literacy by August 15th, 2023, under the New India Literacy Programme.

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In the initial phase of the program, 7525 adult learners were enrolled, and the 1st Foundational Literacy and Numeracy assessment test was successfully conducted on March 19th, 2023, following the completion of 200 hours of teaching. The remaining 21,854 adult learners have now been enrolled under Phase II, and their assessment test is scheduled for July 23rd, 2023.

During his visit, the Principal Secretary had the opportunity to interact with the adult learners and the Voluntary Trainers (VTs). He was pleased to note the learners’ impressive progress in their reading and writing skills and expressed his appreciation for their dedication.

In response to the adult learners’ request, the Principal Secretary has been approached by the School Education Department to consider extending the program. The learners are eager to continue their education to advance their Foundational Literacy and Numeracy skills, as well as gain further critical life skills through continuing education.