Goa Achieves Full Functional Literacy

• 10 Jun 2025

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

Goa has been declared fully functionally literate under the Ministry of Education’s ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society)-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram programme, also known as the New India Literacy Programme (NILP). 

• While Goa’s literacy rate was 93.60% as per PLFS 2023–24, a state-level ULLAS survey confirmed it has crossed the 95% functional literacy benchmark.  
• Earlier, Mizoram became the first state and Ladakh the first UT to achieve full functional literacy. 

Functional literacy 

• It  refers to an individual’s ability to apply reading, writing, and numeracy skills in daily life to enhance personal development and community participation. 
• The ULLAS  not only covers basic literacy but also equips learners with critical life skills, encouraging lifelong learning and active citizenship. 

What is ULLAS- Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram ? 

• About: ULLAS is a centrally sponsored scheme being implemented from 2022 to 2027, designed to empower adults aged 15 years and above who missed out on formal schooling. 
  • It aimed at promoting Education for All, earlier known as Adult Education and it is in line with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.  
• Objective: Its target is to achieve Foundational Literacy and Numeracy for 5 crore learners during FY 2022–27 (1 crore learners per year). 
• 5 Key Components of Scheme: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills & Continuing Education.  
• Implementation Mechanism: Scheme is implemented through volunteerism in hybrid (both in online and offline) mode to instill social responsibility and a strong sense of duty (‘Kartavya Bodh’) among citizens. 
• Key Features:  
  • Offers access to learning resources through the DIKSHA platform and ULLAS mobile/web portal, with support for  22 Indian languages, promoting inclusive and multilingual education across regions. 
  • Incorporates the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT), held twice a year or as needed in local schools for evaluation and certification.  

What are the Key Facts About Goa? 

• Goa (capital Panaji), is located on the southwestern coast of India in the Konkan region, geographically separated from the Deccan by the Western Ghats.  
• After India’s independence in 1947, Portugal continued to retain control over its Indian territories despite repeated diplomatic efforts by India. In 1961, India launched Operation Vijay, resulting in the liberation of Goa, Daman, and Diu.  
  • Goa Liberation Day is observed on 19th December to commemorate the event. 
• On 30^th May 1987, Goa attained statehood, while Daman and Diu remained a Union Territory so, 30th May is observed annually as Goa Statehood Day. 
  • On 26th January 2020, the UTs of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli were merged to form a single UT named Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)  

Prelims

Q. Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education? (2012)

1. Directive Principles of State Policy
2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies  
3. Fifth Schedule  
4. Sixth Schedule  
5. Seventh Schedule  

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:  

(a) 1 and 2 only  
(b) 3, 4 and 5 only  
(c) 1, 2 and 5 only  
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5  

Ans: (d)