Goa has made history by becoming the first state in India to achieve “full literacy,” with an effective literacy rate of 99.72 per cent. This proclamation was made by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant during the 39th Goa Statehood Day celebrations, marking a significant milestone not just for the state but for the entire nation’s education sector.
Collective Effort and Government Initiatives
This achievement, as noted by CM Sawant, stemmed from the “sustained collective efforts of government, local self-bodies, teachers, and citizens of Goa.” This was made possible under the centrally sponsored ULLAS Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (Understanding for Lifelong Learning for All in Society), also known as the New India Literacy Programme (NILP). In conjunction with the National Education Policy 2020, the Programme provides functional literacy to all adults above 15 years who did not undergo formal schooling, emphasising basic reading, writing, and numerical skills.
Survey and Implementation
The state’s literacy program included a comprehensive survey of 191 panchayats, 13 municipalities, and one municipal corporation. According to the study, a total of 6,299 uneducated individuals were identified. Out of that number, 2,136 completed the literacy program. The remaining 4,163 participants were above 60 years old and were unable to participate due to health challenges or old age. Schools supported the program, and adult trainee coordinators were deployed to all 12 talukas of Goa, ensuring that the support and outreach were tailored and adequate for the learners and attendees.
Surpassing National Benchmarks
Goa’s achievement surpasses the national benchmark of 95 per cent literacy, as defined by the Ministry of Education, for declaring a state fully literate. According to the latest information, Goa’s literacy rate was 88.7% in the 2011 Census, increased to 93.2% in the 2019-21 National Family Health Survey, and is now at 99.72% following the latest drive. This effort has positioned Goa as a model for other states seeking to surpass the national literacy targets.
National and Local Recognition
Goa has been granted full literacy status by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Archana Awasthi, during her visit to the state, where she confirmed that Goa has indeed met all necessary criteria. The declaration was celebrated by local dignitaries, teachers, and other community members who marked the milestones the state has made in enhancing its educational infrastructure.
Broader Impact and Future Goals
Chief Minister Sawant stated that the state has demonstrated unparalleled endurance and cultural pride by taking steps towards defining liberation in 1961, achieving statehood in 1987, and now aiming for a fully literate mark by 2025, showcasing the state’s willpower. He made it clear that Goa is to be developed as an educational hub for the world and spoke about the need to focus on both the Happiness Index and the quality of life among the people of Goa.
Simultaneously, the state government has undertaken other initiatives, such as Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, aimed at aiding farmers and the rural populace, which demonstrates an all-around development approach.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While celebrating the achievement, the officials also noted that the remaining illiterate constituents of Goa are older people with medical or age-associated disabilities. There is an ongoing government effort to enable all citizens of all ages and abilities to access programs supporting active ageing and inclusive lifelong learning.
Goa is being applauded for achieving full literacy, which is often described as almost utopian. Other states are attempting to accomplish a similar literacy rate by using Goa as a model. It showcases the combined efforts of the community, education, and the government. The state serves as an example for other states wishing to emulate the model. Goa is emulating other countries in its efforts to achieve universal literacy by 2030.
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