The ULLAS Navbharat literacy program, operating under the National Education Policy, is making a significant impact in Gujarat’s Mahisagar district. Through this initiative, rural youth and women are gaining essential literacy skills like reading, writing, and numeracy, breaking free from illiteracy’s constraints. The program, launched by the district administration, has successfully educated thousands in basic tasks such as banking and post office operations.
Beneficiaries in Mahisagar district expressed their newfound empowerment after participating in the program. Maguben shared her joy at learning to sign her name, a skill she previously lacked, thanks to the teachers’ guidance. Bhartiben also highlighted her progress in reading time, counting, and understanding dairy slips, all achieved through the program’s support.
In Mahisagar district, where female literacy was below 60 percent, a survey identified 4,697 illiterate individuals for education. Over six months, 532 students, under 126 teachers’ supervision, provided education to these individuals. Classes were conducted in various villages, resulting in 4,135 individuals passing the exam out of 4,561 who took it in March.
The ULLAS Navbharat Literacy Programme’s success was evident in the enthusiastic participation of women learners. Classes were conveniently scheduled from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, allowing women to balance their daily responsibilities with learning essential skills like reading, writing, and basic banking tasks. The district collector announced the upcoming second phase of the campaign, aiming to achieve 100 percent literacy in Mahisagar.
The second phase of the ‘Ullas Navbharat Literacy Programme’ will focus on villages where the female literacy rate exceeds 60 percent. Scheduled from July 15 to October 15, classes will target the remaining 347 villages to ensure all illiterate individuals have access to education. ULLAS emphasizes social responsibility and ‘Kartavya Bodh,’ encouraging learners to access educational content in regional languages through the DIKSHA Portal and ULLAS mobile app.
