New India Literacy Programme | 31 Mar 2023
Why in News?
Recently, the Minister of State for Education provided information about the New India Literacy Programme (NILP) in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
What is New India Literacy Programme?
- About:
- The Government has launched the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “New India Literacy Programme” (NILP) for implementation during five years from the FYs 2022-23 to 2026-27 with financial outlay of Rs.1037.90 crore.
- Aim:
- The scheme aims to cover a target of 5.00 crore non-literates in the age group of 15 years and above.
- The scheme has five components:
- Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
- Critical Life Skills
- Vocational Skills Development
- Basic Education
- Continuing Education
- Identification of Beneficiaries:
- Door-to-door surveys on a mobile app are conducted by surveyors in the States/UTs to identify beneficiaries.
- Non-literates can also register directly through a mobile app.
- Volunteerism for Teaching and Learning:
- The scheme is mainly based on volunteerism for teaching and learning, and volunteers can register through the mobile app.
- Implementation through Technology:
- The scheme is implemented predominantly through the online mode and is based on technology.
- The teaching and learning material and resources are available on the DIKSHA platform of NCERT and can be accessed through mobile apps.
- Dissemination of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy:
- Modes like TV, Radio, Samajik Chetna Kendra, etc. are also used for dissemination of Foundational Literacy and Numeracy.
- Eligibility:
- All non-literates above 15 years of age are eligible to avail of the benefits of the scheme.
- Need of NILP:
- As per Census 2011, the absolute number of non-literates of the country in 15 years and above age group is 25.76 crore (Male 9.08 crore, Female 16.68 crore).
- In consideration of the progress of persons certified as literates being to the tune of 7.64 crore under the Saakshar Bharat programme implemented during 2009-10 to 2017-18, it is estimated that currently around 18.12 crore adults are still non-literate in India.