On June 25, 2024, Lieutenant Governor Dr. B.D Mishra stated that the Union Territory of Ladakh has attained full functional literacy, with over 97 percent literacy under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.
ULLAS—Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram
- Overview: ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) is a centrally supported plan that will be implemented from 2022-23 to 2026-27. It coincides with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and focuses on adult education and lifelong learning.
- Beneficiaries: Over 77 lakh individuals have benefited nationwide. The ULLAS Mobile App has registered 1.29 crore students and 35 lakh volunteer teachers.
- The overall scheme budget is Rs.1037.90 crore, of which the Government of India contributes Rs.700 crore and the states contribute Rs.337.90 crore.
- Aim and target: Targets nonliterates aged 15 and above in all states and union territories. The objective is to achieve five crore learners, or one crore each year.
- Implementation was carried out online via the ULLAS app, with volunteer teachers.
Scheme Components
- Foundational literacy and numeracy include the ability to read, write, and count.
- Critical life skills include digital, legal, and financial literacy, healthcare knowledge, childcare and education, and family welfare, among others.
- Basic Education: Education up to the secondary level (grades 9-12).
- Vocational Skills: The development of skills necessary for work.
- Continuing Education refers to ongoing educational possibilities.
Ladakh Background
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019 was passed on October 31, 2019, dividing the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
- Capital: Leh.
- Lieutenant Governor: Dr. B.D. Mishra.