Daily Current Affairs : 28-August-2024
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has recently redefined the concepts of ‘literacy’ and ‘full literacy’ as part of its ambitious New India Literacy Programme (NILP). This initiative is a critical step towards ensuring that all individuals in India have access to quality education and are equipped with essential life skills.
What is Literacy?
In simple terms, literacy is not just about the ability to read and write. According to the new definitions set by the MoE, literacy includes:
- Basic Skills: The ability to read, write, and do simple calculations with understanding.
- Critical Competencies: Skills beyond reading and writing, such as:
- Digital Literacy: The ability to use technology effectively.
- Financial Literacy: Understanding basic financial concepts like budgeting, saving, and investing.
These expanded definitions of literacy aim to prepare individuals for the challenges of the modern world, where digital and financial skills are as important as basic reading and writing.
What is Full Literacy?
Full literacy, as per the Ministry’s updated definition, goes beyond just individual abilities. It refers to:
- 95% Literacy Rate: If a state or union territory (UT) achieves a literacy rate of 95%, it is considered equivalent to full literacy. This is an important benchmark to reach for national progress in education.
Thus, full literacy is not about achieving 100% literacy for every individual but rather ensuring that the majority of the population is literate and has the necessary skills to function in society.
The New India Literacy Programme (NILP)
The New India Literacy Programme, also known as ULLAS (Uptake of Learning for All, Sustainability), is a five-year centrally sponsored initiative aimed at achieving full literacy in India by 2030. Here’s an overview of the program:
- Target Audience: The program focuses on educating non-literate individuals aged 15 and above, especially:
- Women: Who often face barriers to education.
- Backward States: Where literacy rates are lower.
- Scope and Reach:
- The program aims to educate 5 crore (50 million) learners through a mix of online platforms and local volunteer teachers.
- It aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes inclusive and quality education for all.
- Duration and Goals:
- The scheme will run from 2022 to 2027, working towards improving literacy rates and building essential skills across India.
Important Points:
- Literacy Definition (MoE):
- Includes the ability to read, write, and compute with comprehension.
- Expands to include digital literacy and financial literacy.
- Full Literacy Definition:
- Achieving 95% literacy in a state or union territory (UT) is considered full literacy, which is seen as equivalent to 100% literacy.
- New India Literacy Programme (NILP):
- A five-year program (2022-2027) aimed at educating non-literate individuals aged 15 and above.
- Special focus on women and backward states with lower literacy rates.
- Target: Educate 5 crore (50 million) learners using online platforms and volunteer teachers.
- Aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- Key Goals of NILP:
- Achieve full literacy across India by 2030.
- Provide education and critical life skills to underserved populations.
- Program Implementation:
- Online systems and local volunteer teachers will be used to reach a wide audience.
- The initiative aims to improve literacy rates and enhance digital and financial skills.
- Target Audience:
- Focus on non-literate individuals, particularly women and people in backward states.
Why In News
The Ministry of Education (MoE) has redefined ‘literacy’ and ‘full literacy’ in the context of the New India Literacy Programme (NILP), which aims to achieve full literacy across the country by 2030. This redefinition expands the concept of literacy to include not only the ability to read, write, and compute, but also essential skills like digital and financial literacy, ensuring that individuals are prepared for the challenges of the modern world.
MCQS about Understanding Literacy and Full Literacy in the New India Literacy Programme (NILP)
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What is the primary goal of the New India Literacy Programme (NILP)?
A. To provide free primary education to children
B. To achieve full literacy across India by 2030
C. To improve digital literacy in urban areas
D. To promote higher education in rural areas
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Which of the following is NOT included in the new definition of literacy according to the Ministry of Education?
A. The ability to read and write
B. Basic financial literacy
C. Critical thinking skills
D. Digital literacy
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What is considered ‘full literacy’ in a state or union territory (UT) according to the Ministry of Education?
A. Achieving 100% literacy
B. Achieving 95% literacy
C. Achieving 90% literacy
D. Achieving 85% literacy
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Which group is the New India Literacy Programme (NILP) specifically targeting?
A. Only children under 15
B. Only urban youth
C. Non-literate individuals aged 15 and above, especially women and those in backward states
D. Only government employees
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