The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, B.D. Mishra declared Ladakh the administrative unit to achieve full functional literacy under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, with a literacy rate of over 97%. This milestone reflects Ladakh’s dedication to empowering its citizens through foundational literacy, numeracy, and critical life skills for all.
The announcement was made during a celebration at Sindhu Sanskritik Kendra (SSK), Leh, attended by prominent figures such as Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, Government of India; Ms. Archana Sharma Awasthi, Joint Secretary; Dr. Mohd. Jaffer Akhoon, Chairman, LAHDC, Kargil; Sanjeev Khirwar,; and more than 500 new literates and volunteers.
The ceremony included the felicitation of neo-literates and volunteer teachers and the launching the School Department’s Annual Achievement Report 2023.
In his address, he encouraged lifelong learning, emphasized the responsibility of parents to ensure their children attend school, and urged students to create jobs, not just seek them. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for NEP 2020, stating it paves the way for the country’s future growth.
Sanjay Kumar congratulated Ladakh on its achievement and assured support for enhancing its education system. He highlighted the ULLAS program’s volunteer-driven model, with volunteers teaching non-literates through the ULLAS Mobile App without expecting rewards. Sanjay Kumar shared inspiring stories of perseverance, underscoring Ladakh’s passion for literacy.
The ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, or New India Literacy Programme (NILP), is a centrally sponsored scheme from 2022-2027, aligned with NEP 2020, aiming to empower adults aged 15 and above. The scheme has benefitted over 77 lakh people nationwide, with the ULLAS Mobile App engaging more than 1.29 crore learners and 35 lakh volunteer teachers.
