India has made notable progress in improving rural literacy, with the rate increasing from 67.77% in 2011 to 77.5% in 2023-24 for individuals aged seven and above, as reported by Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary. Female literacy saw a remarkable increase of 14.5 percentage points from 57.93% to 70.4%, while male literacy improved from 77.15% to 84.7%. These gains reflect the country’s commitment to improving education in rural areas.
“Achieving this progress is the result of the government’s sustained efforts through various centrally sponsored schemes,” Chaudhary stated. Programs like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Saakshar Bharat, Padhna Likhna Abhiyan, and ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram have been key in addressing literacy gaps, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
Launched in 2022 under the National Education Policy 2020, the ULLAS initiative focuses on adult literacy, foundational skills, and vocational training. Chaudhary noted that “over two crore learners have registered under ULLAS, with more than one crore taking the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).” The program uses a hybrid learning model and a mobile app offering educational resources in 26 languages. Maharashtra has seen success, with 10.87 lakh learners registered and over four lakh participating in FLNAT. However, Bihar has yet to implement the program.
While celebrating the progress, Chaudhary acknowledged challenges in achieving universal literacy in rural areas. “Diverse languages, cultural contexts, and unstructured learning systems continue to pose obstacles,” he said. The government is focusing on localised, volunteer-driven initiatives to address these issues.
The emphasis on empowering rural communities, especially women, aligns with the broader goal of universal literacy. Programs like ULLAS show the potential of collective efforts to reshape India’s educational landscape.
