Centre declares Goa 100% literate, becomes fourth to achieve status

Panaji: On Goa’s 39th statehood day on Friday, Union govt declared Goa as a fully literate state under the Ullas-new India literacy programme. Goa became one of four states to achieve this status.

Goa achieved a literacy rate of 99.7%, which far exceeds the benchmark of 95% required for declaring a state as fully literate, as stipulated by Union govt under the new India literacy programme. A total of 82 panchayats declared 100% literacy, 33 panchayats declared 95% to 99% literacy, and one municipality confirmed 99% literacy.

Of the remaining 76 panchayats and 13 municipalities, including a municipal corporation, a total of 6,299 illiterate individuals were identified. Of these, 2,136 showed interest in learning and successfully completed the entire learning phase, while 4,164 were unwilling for various reasons, including age, medical, and other grounds. With this, Goa achieved a literacy rate of 99.7%.

“Under the Ullas scheme, it is the first time that govt of India has defined literacy and the criteria to declare full literacy of any state and UT. Goa has now met those criteria and is proud to announce itself as fully literate,” said Archana Sharma Awasthi, joint secretary, department of school education and literacy.

She stated that this is an inspiring achievement and sets an example for the rest of the country. Awasthi mentioned that the scheme is a motivation and hope for those aged 15 and above who missed the opportunity to go to school and were left behind in literacy. “This scheme, launched in April 2022, provides them with the chance to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society,” she said.

Awasthi also noted that determining full literacy in Goa was exhaustive, as they surveyed even the smallest villages to identify and educate the illiterate. “According to the PLFS report, which is an NSSO report for 2023-2024, Goa’s literacy rate is 93.6%, which is among the highest in the country, with both male and female populations scoring well. However, as per their own survey, Goa has now achieved much more than that and has crossed 99%,” said Awasthi.

Chief minister Pramod Sawant said, “This will help the state increase its happiness index. Govt is working to increase the happiness index”. State govt mentioned that for those still willing to learn, the education department will make plans.

Sawant noted that individuals as old as 80 learned and passed the exam. He also mentioned that state govt’s next target is to make Goa a 100% TB-free state.