1. Introduction:
Literacy is the first step towards development. Without literacy one cannot think of education and without education there would be no access to the IT revolution and other areas of science, technology etc. in the present digital world and which are so vital for all round development of human resources.
Literacy is the key to reducing human misery to delivering the potential of every human being and the last but not the least to the opening up of future of freedom and hope. Poverty and illiteracy are inter-related being the prime cause for each other. The eradication of illiteracy is considered as an indispensable component of Human Resource Development and thereof needs special attention of all concerned.
People and literacy is the very foundation for the achievement of the universalition of literacy, which must receive the highest priority. The UNESCO defines literate person as one” who can read and write a short and simple sentence with understanding in his everyday life. “ The National Literacy Mission (NLM) defines literacy as “functional Literacy”. Literacy has continued to be functional practice everywhere in the world.
Literacy is the most important indicator of development in a society. It indicates overall development of individuals enabling them compared their social, economic, political and cultural environment letter and respond to it appropriately. Literacy in a society acts as a catalist for social upliftment such as population control, health, hygiene, environmental degradation control, empowerment of women and welfare section of the society. Literacy is also a pre-requisite for acquiring any skills.
Govt. of India is trying to eradicate illiteracy since independence.. A few programme have been taken up to educate both children and adults. The literacy movement in Assam had a long history of its own. Adult Education in Assam is the oldest sector which had been continuing prior independence from 1930 under social education.
After that, it was a wing of Secondary Education Department under DPI and the Adult Education Directorate was established to an independent Directorate in 1991. The all Central and State Govt. Schemes were successfully completed by the Adult Education Directorate time to time. But now, this Directorate needs to recognize and re-structure with change of nomenclature of the Directorate of Non-Formal and Adult Education, Assam as the “Directorate of Education for All” as per guidelines of Govt. of India in the light of New Education Policy, 2020.
Objectives: The main objective of Adult Education are:
2. Coverage/Scope:
The Directorate of Non-Formal and Adult Education, Assam has been implementing several adult literacy schemes covering the 15 years and above age group of non-literate people of the society since its inception viz-
At present , a Centrally sponsored Scheme namely “ New India Literacy Programme” (NILP/ ULLAS) is being implemented since 2022 under this Directorate under the agies of National Literacy Mission (NLM) and State Literacy Mission, Assam (SLMA) in the light of the New Education Policy, 2020.
The New Education Policy’2020 has the opportunity to attain foundational literacy obtain an education and peruse a livelihood must be viewed as basic rights of every citizen. Literacy and basic education open up whole new words of personal, civic, economic and lifelong learning opportunity for individuals that enable to progress personally and progressionally .
3. Components:
I. Directorate of Non-Formal and Adult Education, Assam-
The State Resource Center” for Adult Education, Assam has been created vide Govt. order No. EDA.90/83-14 A, dtd. The 25th Feb’1984 and EDA.82/83/23, dtd.the 05/05/1984 with a separate establishment to provide Academic support to the Adult Education Programme/Missions and field functionaries by developing primers (Textbooks), Teaching Learning Material, Training Materials, Training Modules/formats, monitoring programmes etc, imparting and conducting training/ workshops/seminars etc. at the state & district level in all aver Assam.
This SRC has been merged with the Directorate of Non-Formal & Adult Education, Assam in 2017 vide Govt. Notification no. PMA (S) 84/2017/19, dtd. 28th April’2017 (At Annexure-VIII)
As there was not a single post of Gazetted Office have been retained in the establishment of the Directorate of Non-Formal & Adult Education, Assam and all posts of Gazzetted Officer under this Directorate were abolished being personal posts,so the all permanently retained posts of SRC including six no Class-! Gazzetted Officers along with all other staffs have been merged with the Directorate of Non-Formal & Adult Education, Assam for the administrative convenience of the Department.
III. State Literacy Mission Authority
The another component of the Directorate office is “State Literacy Mission Authority, Assam.(SLMA)”
The National Literacy Mission (NLM) was lunched in 1988 which gives seriousness in adult education with time frame fixed goal with peoples participation. For proper implementation of the programme of NLMA, a technology mission was set up as an autonomous and independent wing of the department of Education under MIHRD on 5th May, 1988 with the aim of imparting functional literacy to the illiterate masses. The “National Literacy Mission”(NLM) defines literacy as “functional literacy”. Literacy has continued to be a functional practice everywhere in the world.
-The State Literacy Mission Authority, Assam has been established to function as a social mission for bringing Literacy Campaign in the overall socio-cultural situation of Assam. In the year 1992, Govt. of Assam constituted the SLMA, Assam under the constitutional provisions of NLM, GOI to promote the Literacy and Adult Education amongst the illiterate in the age group of 15-35 years.
Having no significant achievement through SLMA, due to various reason including financial crisis, the State Govt. Again re-constituted the SLMA in the year 2002 and started its activities with more vigor and zeal.
4. Programmes & Activities
Adult Education in Assam was started in Assam prior to Independence from 1930 under Social Education in the then Night School.
It was a wing of Secondary Education Deptt. Under D.P.I. & the Adult Edn. Directorate was established to an Independent Directorate in1991. The all central & state govt. schemes were successfully completed by the Adult Education Directorate time to time.
The Directorate of Non – Formal & Adult Education, Assam has been implementing several Adult Literacy scheme since its inception Viz-
The Literacy movement in Assam had a long history of literacy campaign of its own. With the lunching of National Literacy Mission authority (NLM).Govt. of India in the year 1988, the existing system had been replaced by Total Literacy Campaign (TLC) . Literacy campaign were started in Assam in 1992 in Jorhat district. All the then 23 districts had been covered under Total Literacy Campaign in a phased manner. Post Literacy programmes was sanctioned in 1995 in Assam & 8 no of districts had been covered in Post Literacy phase. According to 2005 report, the status of literacy programmes are as follows.
A) Total Literacy Campaign (TLC):-
The target under total literacy campaign reported is 42.81 lakh out of 32.03 lakh learners were enrolled & 18.35 lakh (42.88%) have completed primer-III
|
Surveyed Target |
Enrolled |
Achievement (P-III completers) |
|
42.81 lakhs |
32.03 lakh (74.81%) |
18.35 lakhs (42.88%) |
B) Post Literacy Programmes (PLC) :-
The number of targeted Neo – literates reported was 8.49 lakhs. It has been reported that 4.10 lakh Neo – literates were enrolled & 3.48 lakhs have completed PL- I primer.
The details given below :
|
Survey Target |
Enrolment |
Achievement (PL – I completers) |
|
8.49 lakhs |
4.10 lakhs (48.29%) |
3.48 lakhs (40.99%) |
After completion of Total Literacy Campaign, the post Literacy Campaigns were lunched as a follow up of Total Literacy Campaign. Post Literacy Campaign was part of the process.
C) Continuing Education Programme (CE)
The Continuing Education Programme was sanctioned to Gyan Vigyan Samiti (GVS), Assam in 8 blocks of 5 districts in Assam. All total 115 NCECs & 460 CECs sanctioned to GVS, Assam have been established. The total number of beneficiaries of these centres reported is 7.17 lakhs as shows in below :-
|
No of Centres Sectioned |
No of Centres Established |
No of beneficiaries |
||
|
NCECs |
CECs |
NCECs |
CEs |
|
|
115 |
460 |
115 |
460 |
7.17 lakhs |
In continuing Education Programme 1.04 lakh non-literates were identified for coverage under residual literacy. Total 32,279 learners were enrolled & 2,129 learners have completed primer-III. The scheme of CE was launched in 1995 as a fully funded centrally sponsored schemes, initially envisaged 100% assistance to the states for the first three years of implementation. Thereafter, the responsibility for the programme was either with the State Govt. or with the Community itself.
During this period, the Literacy Scenario of Assam has been changed to a great extent due to very many reasons. As per 2001 census, the Literacy rate of Assam is 64.28%, male & female literacy rates being 71.93% & 56.03% respectively . During the decade 1991-2001, literacy rate of the state has been increased by 11.17%, from 53.11% to 64.28% . It is reported that the female literacy rate has been increased by 13% from 43.03% to 56.03% & the male literacy rate by 10.06% from 61.87% to 71.93%. It is envisaged that during the post CE period, neo-literates will be highly benefited through the various income generated &skill development programmes. This was definitely improves their economic condition.
In this way, literacy in Assam would bring a remarkable change in the process of development in general & literacy in particular. This would also include self- dependent & would create life long opportunities for neo –literates, literates & skilled manpower to retain & improve their literacy to equality through various related programmes in CE to make Assam a healthy & prosperous state with 100% literacy in near future. An overall achievement during2001-2002, 2002-2003, 2003-2004, 2004-2005 shown in state.
Decadal literacy growth rate of Assam
|
Years |
Literacy Rate |
Decadal Growth Rate |
||||
|
|
M |
F |
Total |
M |
F |
Total |
|
1991 |
61.87 |
43.03 |
53.11 |
|
|
|
|
2001 |
71.93 |
56.03 |
64.28 |
10.06 |
13.00 |
11.17 |
In India 98%of the districts have been covered under TLC & by CE in 167 districts having life long basing opportunities.
The literacy rate of the districts of the Assam state is that Jorhat have highest (77.91%) literacy rate followed by Sivasagar (75.33%), Kamrup (74.69%), Dibrugarh (71.21%),
Golaghat (70.36%) % and lowest in Dhubri(49.86%), Kokrajhar (52.55%), Darrang (55.92%) and in rest of the districts literacy rate lies between 57% to 69.59% whereas literacy rate of Assam was 64.28% then.
India is the largest democracy in the world. In India, every people have the equal rights or say in the functioning of democracy. To say something one has to know about the matter, and also should be old enough to give a justified advice. In India, the majority of population consists of adults i.e. within the age-group of 15-35 years, which is the productive & reproductive age-group & consists a major segment of the work force. So, it becomes outmost necessity that this class is taught the 3 Rs. (Reading, Writing & Arithmetic ) & also values of national integration, woman’s equality, conservation of environment, observance of small family norms.
The problem of adult illiteracy has hampered in the smooth functioning of democracy. If an adult is unaware of his political happening in his country he cannot fully … own rights. He should know all the policies of govt. & how it is functioning. Because democracy is a Govt of people by the people & for the people & the adults are the representatives, They should be very alert & conscious.
It is when the adult population is educated than the reset generation will be more conscious & aware of their surroundings. It parents are ignorant they cannot guid their children properly, so it is of almost important that they too have at least the basics of education. For this govt. has different policies which are undertakes & easily available including literacy programmes schemes.
The National Literacy Mission (NLM) set up in May 1988 was to attain a sustainable threshold level of 75% by 2007 by importing functional literacy to the non-literates in age group of 15-35 years. The total literacy campaign (TLC) was the principal strategy of NLM for eradication of illiteracy. The Central Directorate of Adult Education Provides academic & technical resource .support to National Literacy Mission.
The launching of the National Literacy Mission (NLM) gives seriousness in adult education with time frame fixed goal with peoples participation. The 90% of the districts in India have been covered under TLC & by continuing education prog. In 167 districts having life-long learning opportunities.
The census result 2001 indicating a 13% improvement in the overall literacy rate during 1991-2001 have been very encouraging. However much more remains to be done.
Volunteer based , cost effective & result oriented campaigns have fielded better result than centre based learning in the past. Last census authenticated by achieving 65% literacy rate with male literacy 75.85% & female literacy 54.16%.
Though Education Is a fundamental right of the people even then 2001 census reveals that the right is denied to the weaker section .Weaker section means scheduled caste, schedule tribe & women constitute 50% of the population.
D) SAAKCHAR BHARAT MISSION :- (SBM)
Department of School Education & Literacy Ministry of Human Resource Development Govt. of India launched Saakshar Bharat Mission (SBM) on 8th Sept, 2009 for the districts having low female literacy rate of 50% or below of it as per 2001 census. For implementation of SBM Programme, Panchayati Raj Institution (PRIs), has been adopted and three committees were set up as per guidelines are a) District level, b) Block level& c) Gaon Panchayat level.
Gaon Panchayat Lok Siksha Samiti has been constituted with President, Gaon Panchayat as the chairman & Prerak is the Member Secretary . Prerak is the contractual employee of the SBM.
In Assam SBM programme was started in the year 2010-11 & the Pragramme was closed on March 2018 as per instruction of GOI. SBM in Assam was running in total 12 districts of Assam namely Sonitpur, Darrang, Barpeta, Kokrajhar, Bongaigaon, Dhubri, Goalpara, Morigaon, Tinsukia, Karbi-Anglong & Hailakandi. As per guidelines of SBM the adult learners were appeared learners ‘Assessment Test conducted by GOI & NIOS. The enrolled adult learners under SBM were allowed to appear learners Assessment Test (LAT) conducted jointly by MHRD, GOI & NIOS & the successful learners were given certificates. The LAT was conducted twice in a year one in the month of March & other in the month of August. The physical achievements of SBM programme is given below:-
|
Sl No. |
Financial year |
Appeared |
Passed |
|
1 |
2010-11 |
21,048 |
10,908 |
|
2 |
2011-12 |
64,777 |
39,715 |
|
3 |
2012-13 |
74,817 |
43,072 |
|
4 |
2013-14 |
1,14,789 |
76,828 |
|
5 |
2014-15 |
1,47,006 |
94,474 |
|
6 |
2015-16 |
4,94,579 |
3,52,851 |
|
7 |
2016-17 |
5,50,28 |
38,028 |
|
8 |
2017-18 |
1,13,083 |
56,132 |
|
|
Total |
10,38,396 |
7,12,008 |
The physical achievement is 7,12008 nos of learners get certificates from NIOS against the appeared learners 10,38,396 nos .
In regards to financial achievement is total released amount by GOI for the SBM prog. From 2009 – 2010 to 2017-18 is Rs. 86,20,95,722/- ( including bank interest ) & total expenditure is Rs. 83,56,15,381 /-
The Audited Accounts & Utilization certificates up to 2017-18 had already been submitted to Govt. of India.
E) Padhna Likhna Abhiyan : (PLA)
On May 2020 Govt of India launched a new centrally sponsored Adult Literacy Programme namely “ Padhaa Likhaa Abhiyan “ (PLA). GOI adopted 17 nos of districts & these are Dhubri, Goalpara, Barpeta, Hailakandi, Baska, Darrang, Udalguri, Nagaon, Karbi Anglong, Tinsukia, Bongaigaon, Sonitpur, Morigaon, Dhemaji, Kokrajhar & Chirang. As per guidelines the criteria for selection of districts are inclusion of all aspirational districts, districts having low literacy rate then state or National Literacy rate, districts with literacy rates less than the National State average, districts with female literacy rates less than 60% as per the 2011 census, district blocks with large SC/ST/Minority population, educationally backward blocks, left wing extremist affected districts.
But due to Covid pandemic & Assembly election, only survey was completed in 17 nos of districts GOI closed PLA scheme on March 2021 as it was not in the conformity with National Education Policy 2020.
F) New India Literacy Programme : (NILP/ULLAS)
The Directorate of Non-Formal & Adult Education, Assam has been implementing several Adult Literacy Schemes since its inception & at present, a CSS (Centrally Sponsored Scheme), newly NILP ( New India Literacy Programme) is being implemented under this directorate.
Govt of India introduce a centrally sponsored scheme, namely “ New India Literacy Programme” (NILP) for five years, i.e. 2022-2027 covering all the aspects of Adult Education to align with National Education Policy 2020 in April 2022.
The objective of the scheme is to impart not only foundational literacy & numeracy but also to Coues other components which are necessary for a citizen of 21st century such as critical life skills (including financial literacy, digital literacy, commercial skills, health care & awareness, child care & education & family welfare), vocational skill development (with a view towards obtaining local employment basic education (including preparatory middle & secondary stage equivalency and continuing education (including engaging holistic adult education coursed in arts, science, technology, culture, sports & recreation as well as other topics of interest or use to local learners, such as more advanced material on critical life skills).
The scheme has been implemented through volunteerism through online mode. The Training ,Orientation,Workshops of volunteers may be organised through face to face mode. All materials and resources shall be provided digitally for easy access to registered volunteers through easily accessible digital modes viz TV, Radio, Cell Phone based free/open source/apps portals etc. The scheme will cover non-literates of the age group of 15 years & above in all state /UTs in the country.
State Literacy Mission Authority (SLMA) Assam is the implementing agency for implementation of the New India Literacy Program In Assam as per Govt of India’s guidelines. Govt. of Assam has already designated State Literacy Mission Authority as the single nodal agency with Govt. notification no. PMA(S)103/2022/49,dtd 17th Aug,2022.
New India Literacy programme (NILP) is launched on 1st April 2022 as per recommendation of NEP, 2020 with the aim of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to achieve 100% literacy by 2030 with a target to literate 6,72,000 numbers of non-literates in Assam as fixed by GOI for the FY-2022-2023 covering all districts of Assam.
Salient features of the scheme :-
Adult Education is now “Education for All” in the country: As a progressive step, it has also been decided that from now onwards that the term “Education for All” will be used in place of “Adult Education” by the Ministry in view of the fact that the terminology “Adult Education” is not incorporating appropriately all non-literates of 15 years & above age group. During FY 2022-2027 in the line with National Education Policy-2020, as the goal of New India Literacy Programme is as laid down in para 21.4 of the National Education Policy 2020-“ Strong and innovative Government initiative for Adult Education particularly to facilitate community involvement & the smooth and beneficial integration of technology will be affected as soon as possible to expedite this all important aim of achieving 100% literacy.
