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Recently, Goa became the second state in India to achieve full functional literacy under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat SaakshartaKaryakram (New India Literacy Programme), marking a key achievement in India’s goal of attaining full literacy by 2030, as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

About ULLAS

• ULLAS stands for Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society.
• It is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented by the Ministry of Education from 2022 to 2027.
• Target Group: Adults aged 15 years and above who missed formal schooling.
• Alignment: The scheme is aligned with NEP 2020, emphasizing inclusive and equitable education.
• Implementation Basis: The programme is built on the spirit of volunteerism and Kartavya Bodh (sense of duty).

Five Components of the ULLAS Scheme:

1. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
2. Critical Life Skills
3. Basic Education
4. Vocational Skills Development
5. Continuing Education

Digital Outreach

• The ULLAS mobile app facilitates registration of learners and volunteers.
• It also provides access to learning resources through the DIKSHA portal of NCERT.
• So far, over 2.40 crore learners and 41 lakh volunteer teachers have been registered on the app.
• Over 1.77 crore learners have taken the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).

Goa Achieves Full Literacy

• Declared Fully Literate: On May 30, 2025, during the 39th Goa Statehood Day celebrations at Panaji, Goa was declared fully literate.
• Reported Literacy Rate: As per PLFS 2023–24, Goa had a literacy rate of 93.60%, among the highest in India.
• State Survey Update: A state-led survey confirmed that Goa had crossed the 95% benchmark, qualifying it as fully literate under ULLAS.

Key Factors Behind Goa’s Success

• Adopted a Whole-of-Government approach, involving departments such as:
  • Directorate of Panchayats
  • Municipal Administration
  • Social Welfare
  • Planning & Statistics
  • Women & Child Development
• Engaged SwayampurnaMitras for grassroots awareness and learning support.
• Played an active role in certification and inclusion of learners into the literacy programme.
• Strong collaboration between SCERT, local administration, school heads, volunteers, and field workers ensured last-mile delivery.

Significance for India

• Goa's achievement underscores the effectiveness of decentralized, people-driven literacy campaigns.
• Demonstrates the potential of tech-enabled platforms, volunteerism, and inter-departmental coordination.
• Sets a model for other states in achieving India’s literacy goal by 2030.
• Reinforces the broader national vision of “Jan-Jan Saakshar” and a Viksit Bharat.