CONTEXT

• India launched the ULLAS scheme (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) to address adult illiteracy.
• Mizoram and Goa declared themselves “fully literate” in 2025 under ULLAS, following Ladakh in 2024.
• The programme is vital as India still has 25.76 crore non-literate adults (Census 2011), mostly women.
• Supports NEP 2020 goals and aligns with UN SDG 4: achieving universal literacy and numeracy by 2030.

CONCEPT

• ULLAS (2022–2027) is a centrally sponsored scheme, also known as New India Literacy Programme.
• Aims to empower 5 crore individuals (15+ years) with:
  • Foundational literacy and numeracy
  •  Financial literacy
  • Digital literacy
  • Critical life skills
• Uses volunteer-based teaching: school students, teachers, college youth, and community members.
• Learning resources developed by NCERT, translated by states into local languages.
• Offers both online and offline modules through a mobile app.

CURRENT STATUS

• FLNAT (Functional Literacy Numeracy Assessment Test) assesses reading, writing, and math skills.
• Over 1.77 crore learners appeared for FLNAT since 2023; 90% average pass rate nationally.
• As of now:
  • 2.43 crore learners registered
  • 1.03 crore certified as literate
• Goa (99.72% literacy): Trained 2,136 out of 6,299 non-literate persons; declared 80+ panchayats fully literate.
• Mizoram (98.2% literacy): Trained 1,692 out of 3,026 identified adults; based on PLFS 2023–24 data.
• Ladakh: Conducted three FLNAT phases; declared fully literate in June 2024 after training over 22,000 learners.

KEY FACTS & GAPS:

• Full literacy under ULLAS is defined as 95%+ literacy in a state or UT.
• Literacy = Ability to read, write, compute and apply basic skills with understanding.
• Challenges: Elderly non-participants, state-wise disparities (Tripura: 75.97%, Gujarat: 87.07% pass).
• Women form 65–70% of test takers in many states (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand, UP).

Significance: Reflects progress in inclusive education, empowering adults, especially women, and ensuring second-chance learning for millions.

MAINS QUESTION

• Critically analyze the ULLAS scheme’s design, implementation, and impact on adult literacy in India.
• Discuss the significance of functional literacy and numeracy assessment tests (FLNAT) in evaluating the effectiveness of the ULLAS scheme.