Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Ladakh, Sanjeev Khirwar IAS, visited the New India Literacy Programme (NILP) center Igoo of Kharu zone on July 2 and monitored the preparedness of the 2nd Foundation Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test.

The 2nd Foundation Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test is to be held on July 23 (Sunday) by the Ministry of Education GOI in collaboration with NIOS in UT of Ladakh. He was accompanied by Director, School Education, Chief Education Officer Leh, and Dy Chief Education Officer Kharu.

The New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakaram) is the Government of India initiative aimed to achieve 100% Adult Literacy by providing Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Education through critical life skills to all illiterates in the age group of 15 years and above. Under this ambitious programme, the Administration of Ladakh identified 32042 adult illiterate population through an internal survey conducted by the School Education Department. The Scheme has five components: (i) Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, (ii) Critical Life Skills, (iii) Vocational Skills Development, (iv) Basic Education, and (v) Continuing Education. The School Education Department has distributed books (Udaan 1, Udaan2, Udaan 3, and Udaan 4) to all Adult Learners besides stationery items (Notebook/Pencil).

Under this scheme, the Administration of Ladakh has set up 1038 Literacy Centers across Ladakh for imparting literacy classes through 1257 Voluntary Trainers. UT of Ladakh has fixed the target of achieving 100% Adult Literacy by 15th August 2023 under the scheme New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakaram).             

During the 1st phase of the Programme, 7525 adult learners were enrolled and conducted the 1st Foundational Literacy and Numeracy assessment test successfully on 19.03.2023 after completing 200 hours of teaching under the scheme. The remaining 21854 adult learners have enrolled under Phase IInd and their FLNAT shall be conducted on 23rd July 2023.

Principal Secretary also interacted with the adult learners and Voluntary Trainers (VTs). He was apprised of the performance of the learners and appreciated their reading and writing skills.

The Adult learners requested the Principal Secretary School Education Department for the extension of the programme so that they can learn advanced FLN and critical life skills under continuing education.