ULLAS Programme: Transformative Impact on Adult Literacy in India

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Context

• Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi shared an article highlighting the success of the Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) programme.

• The article, written by Union Minister of State Shri Jayant Chaudhary, emphasizes that the ULLAS initiative, launched in 2022, has expanded educational opportunities for adult learners, especially in rural areas and among women.

• The PMO stated that the programme is helping India move closer to achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on literacy by 2030.

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Background

What is the ULLAS Programme?

• Full Form: Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society

• Launched: July 2022

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Education, Government of India

• Framework: Developed under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

• Predecessor Scheme: Replaced the Saakshar Bharat Mission (2009–2017)

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Objectives

1. Promote lifelong learning among all sections of society.

2. Achieve 100% literacy among adults (15+ years).

3. Empower citizens through functional literacy, digital literacy, and basic education.

4. Encourage volunteerism — every literate person can teach one or more non-literate adults.

5. Bridge the gender and rural-urban literacy gap.

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Key Features

1. NEP 2020 Alignment

• Fulfills NEP’s vision of making education a lifelong process.

• Emphasizes flexibility, inclusivity, and community participation in learning.

2. Digital Learning Platform

• Implemented via the ULLAS Mobile App and Web Portal (developed by NCERT).

• Accessible in 22 Indian languages.

• Allows volunteers to register as “Digi-Sakshar Mitras” (digital learning companions).

3. Five Key Pillars of ULLAS

Pillar	Focus Area
1	Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
2	Critical Life Skills (financial, health, legal, digital literacy)
3	Vocational Skills (skills for employability and entrepreneurship)
4	Basic Education (up to Class 12 equivalency)
5	Continuing Education (for lifelong learning, libraries, hobby centers)

4. Community-Centric Model

• Uses schools, panchayat bhavans, and community centers as learning hubs.

• Volunteers and NGOs play a major role in teaching adult learners.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Data-driven approach using real-time dashboards to track progress.

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Impact So Far (as highlighted in the article)

• Rural Literacy Surge: Improved access to learning opportunities in remote areas.

• Female Literacy Growth: Empowered women through education and vocational skills.

• Digital Inclusion: Many adults gained access to digital tools and e-learning platforms.

• SDG Progress: India is on track to achieve UN SDG 4.6 — ensuring all youth and a substantial proportion of adults achieve literacy and numeracy by 2030.

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Global Relevance

Relation with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4)

• SDG 4: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

• Target 4.6: By 2030, ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy.

• The ULLAS programme directly contributes to achieving this goal.

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Significance

1. Empowerment through Education: Enables informed decision-making, better livelihoods, and social participation.

2. Bridging Gaps: Reduces gender and regional disparities in literacy.

3. Demographic Dividend: A literate adult population enhances productivity and national development.

4. Promotes Digital India: Encourages digital literacy and e-governance awareness.

5. Social Inclusion: Builds a culture of lifelong learning and inclusivity in line with NEP 2020.

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Prelims Pointers

Aspect	Details
Full Name	Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS)
Launch Year	2022
Ministry	Ministry of Education
Under Policy	National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
Objective	Achieve 100% adult literacy; promote lifelong learning
App Name	ULLAS Mobile App
Volunteers Called	Digi-Sakshar Mitras
Replaces	Saakshar Bharat Mission
SDG Target	SDG 4.6 – Adult literacy and numeracy by 2030

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Mains Relevance

GS Paper II – Governance, Education, Social Justice

Possible Question:

Discuss how the ULLAS programme aligns with the objectives of NEP 2020 and contributes to India’s progress toward SDG 4 on education.

Answer Framework:

• Introduction – Explain ULLAS and its launch.

• Body – Link to NEP 2020 (lifelong learning, inclusivity, community-based approach).

• Highlight outcomes – rise in rural and female literacy, digital inclusion.

• Challenges – volunteer retention, infrastructure gaps, regional disparities.

• Conclusion – ULLAS as a model of transformative and inclusive education for all.

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Challenges Ahead

1. Digital Divide: Limited internet access in remote areas.

2. Volunteer Shortage: Maintaining motivation among Digi-Sakshar Mitras.

3. Infrastructure Gaps: Need for more community learning centers.

4. Monitoring Issues: Ensuring data reliability and impact measurement.

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Conclusion

The ULLAS programme represents India’s commitment to inclusive and lifelong education, empowering millions of adults — especially rural women — with literacy, skills, and confidence. Aligned with NEP 2020 and SDG 4, it strengthens the foundation for a knowledge-driven and equitable society.