Context:
Ministry of Education (MoE) defines Literacy and Full Literacy under New India Literacy Programme
New India Literacy Programme (NILP):
- Also known as – ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society).
- Launched by – Ministry of Education
- Type –Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
- Duration – FYs 2022-27 (5 years).
- Objective –
- Targets all non-literates aged 15 years and above.
- Special focus on females and educationally backward states.
- Aims to achieve literacy through the “Online Teaching, Learning, and Assessment System (OTLAS).”
- Implementation –
- Utilizes volunteer teachers, students from schools, higher education institutions, and teacher education institutions.
- Collaborates with the National Informatics Centre, NCERT, and NIOS.
- Alignment – In line with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Concepts of Literacy and Full Literacy:
- Literacy – Refers to the ability to read, write, and compute with comprehension.
- Components –
- Reading – Understanding written text.
- Writing – Expressing thoughts through written language.
- Computation – Basic mathematical skills.
- Comprehension – Grasping the meaning of what is read or written.
- Critical Life Skills – These include digital literacy (using technology effectively) and financial literacy (understanding financial concepts).
- Full Literacy – Considered equivalent to 100% literacy.
- Criteria for Full Literacy – Achieving a literacy rate of 95% or higher in a specific State or Union Territory (UT).
Source: The Hindu
Previous Year Question
With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements:
1. It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
2. It, among other things will also impart training in soft skills, entrepreneurship, financial and digital literacy.
3. It aims to align the competencies of the unregulated workforce of the country to the National Skill Qualification Framework.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
It is the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE). Hence, statement 1 is not correct.
