In News:

Uttarakhand has been declared India's sixth fully literate State under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 through the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society)programme. The achievement reflects India's continued efforts to promote adult literacy and lifelong learning.

About ULLAS Programme

ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society), also known as the Nav Bharat SaakshartaKaryakram (New India Literacy Programme), is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched by the Ministry of Education. It aligns with the vision of NEP 2020 by transforming adult education into a lifelong learning movement.

Implemented during 2022–2027, the programme aims to educate non-literate adults aged 15 years and above who could not complete formal schooling. Moving beyond conventional literacy, ULLAS focuses on developing functional literacy, numeracy and essential life skills required for active participation in society.

Objectives

The programme seeks to provide Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) to 5 crore adult learners over five years, targeting 1 crore learners annually through the Online Teaching, Learning and Assessment System (OTLAS).

It also promotes community participation and volunteerism, encouraging citizens to contribute towards building a literate society while fostering the spirit of Kartavya Bodh (sense of civic duty).

Key Features

ULLAS provides learning through both physical and digital modes. Learners can access educational content in regional languages through the DIKSHA Portal, the ULLAS Mobile App, and other digital platforms.

The programme establishes Samajik Chetna Kendras (Social Awareness Centres) by utilizing schools, village libraries and Panchayat buildings as community learning centres.

To ensure inclusivity, learning materials are available in 27 languages and local dialects, enabling wider participation across the country.

Progress is assessed through the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT), conducted twice annually. Successful learners receive literacy certificates jointly issued by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) and the Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL).

The programme also connects newly literate adults with Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS) to facilitate vocational training and improve local employment opportunities.

Components of ULLAS

ULLAS is built around five major components:

• Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) to develop reading, writing and numeracy skills.
• Critical Life Skills, including digital literacy, financial literacy, legal awareness, healthcare, family welfare and childcare.
• Basic Education, providing equivalency with formal school education.
• Vocational Skills to improve employability and livelihood opportunities.
• Continuing Education, covering subjects such as arts, science, technology, culture, sports and lifelong learning.

States/UTs Achieving 95% or More Literacy under ULLAS

As of 2026, the States and Union Territories declared fully literate under ULLAS include:

• Ladakh (UT) – 2024
• Mizoram – 2025
• Goa – 2025
• Tripura – 2025
• Himachal Pradesh – 2025
• Chandigarh (UT) – 2025
• Andaman & Nicobar Islands (UT) – 2026
• Sikkim – 2026
• Uttarakhand – 2026