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UPSC » Daily News Analysis ‘Education Ministry defines ‘literacy’, ‘full literacy’ in push for adult literacy ‘: 27 August

Daily News Analysis ‘Education Ministry defines ‘literacy’, ‘full literacy’ in push for adult literacy ‘: 27 August

The Education Ministry has defined ‘literacy’, and what it means to achieve ‘full literacy,’ in light of a renewed push for adult literacy under the New India Literacy Programme (NILP).

Table of Content

About New Definition of Literacy:

  • It refers to the ability to read, write, compute, and apply critical skills like understanding, interpreting, creating, as well as digital and financial literacy.
  • Full Literacy: A State or Union Territory is considered fully literate when it attains a literacy rate of 95%.
  • Under the New India Literacy Programme (NILP), individuals are literate if they pass the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).

Literacy Statistics in India:

  • 2011 Census: India had 9.08 crore men and 16.68 crore women among 25.76 crore illiterate individuals aged 15 and above.

About Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT):

  • It is an evaluation tool used to measure basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills.
  • It assesses whether individuals have foundational literacy and numeracy skills for effective comprehension, interpretation, and application.

About New India Literacy Programme (NILP):

  • 2022: The Government launched the NILP for FY 2022-23 to 2026-27.
  • Aim: To cover a target of 5 crore non-literates in the age group of 15 years and above.
  • 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.

Why in News?

  • The Education Ministry has defined ‘literacy’, and what it means to achieve ‘full literacy,’ in light of a renewed push for adult literacy under the New India Literacy Programme (NILP).