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Indian Express
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Tripura launches framework to rate schools, CM Manik Saha says ‘it will act as catalyst in education sector'
Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha launched the Tripura School Quality Assessment and Accreditation Framework (TSQAAF) at the Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala on Friday. At the launch event, CM Saha said, 'This TSQAAF is a new direction for Tripura. It will act as a catalyst in the education sector.' The chief minister added that a good amount of funds is being invested in the education sector, leading to an overall improvement in the state's education profile. CM Saha also informed that the state government has recently recruited 226 graduate and undergraduate teachers. 'We are recruiting transparently through the Teachers' Recruitment Board of Tripura (TRBT). We shall fill vacancies with qualified teachers,' Saha said. He also reminded the audience that Tripura recently became only the third 'fully literate' state in India under the Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) – Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram. 'Tripura became a fully literate state after Mizoram and Goa, with a literacy rate of 95.6 per cent. The pass percentages in Class 10 and 12 have crossed 86 per cent and 79 per cent, respectively. In Vidyajyoti schools, pass percentages in Class 10 and Class 12 have increased by 26 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively, from last year. We expect even better results in the future,' the chief minister said. Saha said that earlier literacy programs were limited to teaching people to sign their names, but the current focus has expanded to reading, writing, basic arithmetic, critical life skills, and vocational skills, among others. 'Education is not just about acquiring formal certificates; it's a vital catalyst for instilling moral values in life,' the CM added. Later in the day, the CM posted on social media, 'Tripura has already taken robust steps to implement the National Education Policy. The School Education Department is working tirelessly to create a healthy, competitive environment, transforming each school into a centre of excellence… 'Just as NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council) accredits higher education institutions based on quality standards, we're launching TSQAAF for schools.'
Indian Express
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
India's literacy drive and its fully literate states— All you need to know for UPSC Prelims and Mains
UPSC Issue at a Glance is an initiative by UPSC Essentials aimed at streamlining your preparation for the prelims and mains examinations by focusing on current issues making headlines. Every Thursday, cover a new topic in a lucid way. This week, we explain to you the status of literacy in India in light of recent developments and the government's educational policies and associated challenges. Let's get started. If you missed the previous UPSC Issue at a Glance | 50 Years of Emergency: From causes to constitutional implications from the Indian Express, read it here. Tripura attained the 'full literacy' tag, with a literacy rate of 95.6 per cent, Chief Minister Manik Saha announced on June 23rd, citing data from Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) – Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram. Earlier, Mizoram and Goa also declared themselves to be 'fully literate' states under ULLAS. In this context, let's understand how states get the 'fully literate' tag and government policies related to education and associated issues. (Relevance: UPSC Syllabus General Studies-I, II: Social issues, government policies and interventions, issues relating to the development and management of the social sector/services relating to education. Questions on social issues and associated topics have become extremely important, as they are being asked not only in General Studies I or II but also as essay topics and in ethics theory and case studies. Thus, covering the topic of literacy in India in light of recent developments becomes highly relevant.) India's literacy rate was only 14% at the time of independence, which has increased over the years as more people have received better education. Statista indicates that the country achieved an approximately 76.32 per cent literacy rate in 2022; however, data still falls short of being comprehensive, as there are significant disparities in literacy rates across different states. The total literacy rate of India, including all individuals (men and women), aged 7 and above, from rural and urban populations, accounts for 80.9% in the period 2023-24. Among the states and UTs, Mizoram has the highest literacy rate in India. It was ranked as the third most literate state in India, with a 91.33% literacy rate according to the 2011 Census. Mizoram has recently achieved 98.2%, according to the government statement. Contrastingly, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar recorded the lowest literacy rates in India, standing at 72.6% and 74.3%, respectively, for both urban and rural populations, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023-24 MoSPI survey. Tripura attained the 'full literacy' tag, with a literacy rate of 95.6 per cent, Goa's literacy rate was 99.72%, and Mizoram's stood at 98.2%. These states followed Ladakh, which was the first in the country to have declared itself 'fully literate' in June last year, having 'achieved more than 97% literacy'. This raises a pertinent question: What qualifies a state to be declared 'fully literate' in the Indian context? Notably, the Ministry of Education wrote to the states in August last year, defining 'literacy' and '100% literacy' for ULLAS. Literacy was defined as 'the ability to read, write, and compute with comprehension, i.e., to identify, understand, interpret and create, along with critical life skills such as digital literacy, financial literacy, etc.' It added that achieving 95% literacy in a state/UT may be considered equivalent to being fully literate. The communication also referred to the National Education Policy 2020, which calls for government initiatives for adult education to 'expedite the all-important aim of achieving 100% literacy'. It mentioned the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which include ensuring that 'all youth and a substantial proportion of adults, both men and women, achieve literacy and numeracy' by 2030. States were urged to strive towards this goal. Tripura, Goa, Mizoram, and Ladakh have said they surpassed the 95% literacy mark. ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram or New India Literacy Programme (NILP) is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented from 2022-2027. It aims to equip 5 crore 'non-literate individuals' over the age of 15 across the country with foundational literacy and numeracy skills, which means basic reading and writing and simple arithmetic learnt in primary classes. The teaching material is also meant to impart 'critical life skills' like financial and digital literacy. The scheme aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It is based on the spirit of Kartvya Bodh and is being implemented on volunteerism. It consists of five components: (i) Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, (ii) Critical Life Skills, (iii) Basic Education, (iv) Vocational Skills, and (v) Continuing Education. Working with schools and officials, states and Union Territories have identified people who need such education through door-to-door surveys. They are then taught by registered volunteers – school students, students from higher education and teacher education institutions, and community members. The NCERT has developed the learning material, and the states have done it in their local languages. A mobile app is available for teaching and learning, but it can also be done offline. Notably, ULLAS is the latest of the adult literacy programmes rolled out by the Indian government since the 1950s. This includes programmes targeting farmers and women in the 1960s and '70s, and a country-wide programme called the National Adult Education Programme for the 15-35 age group. Then came the National Literacy Mission from 1988 to 2009 for this bracket. The government launched the 'Saakshar Bharat' (Literate India) scheme in 2009, and it ran until 2018. It equipped those aged 15 and above with functional literacy and was also linked to opportunities for skill development and further education. ULLAS also includes these goals. India has implemented several education policies and initiatives over the years to increase its literacy rate and improve the quality of education. These initiatives have aimed to address issues such as access to education, quality of education, and the reduction of educational disparities. Some of the key policy measures are: 📌Right to Education (RTE) Act: Enacted in 2009, the RTE Act is a landmark legislation that makes education a fundamental right for children aged 6 to 14 years. It mandates free and compulsory education, establishes minimum standards for schools, and prohibits practices like discrimination and corporal punishment. The act aims to ensure equitable access to quality education for all children. 📌National Education Policy 2020: NEP 2020 is a transformative blueprint for educational reform. It emphasizes foundational literacy and numeracy, promotes multilingualism, integrates vocational education, and fosters technology-enabled learning. With a focus on holistic development, the policy aims to equip students with 21st-century skills. It also advocates teacher training and professional development. By addressing challenges and introducing innovative approaches, the NEP 2020 strives to elevate India's education system to new heights. Whether it will succeed or not, only time will tell. 📌Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan: The Ministry of Education's Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan is a comprehensive school education program. It combines three Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS): Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE), all of which seek to provide equitable quality school education from pre-school to senior secondary level in India, as well as support for teacher training and system strengthening. The fund-sharing ratio between the Centre and the states (excluding Northeastern states) is 60:40. 📌PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India): It is an initiative run by the Union Ministry of School Education and Literacy. It intends to improve 14,500 schools to 'showcase' the NEP, 2020, and be 'exemplars' for other schools in their region. The scheme is for existing elementary, secondary, and senior secondary schools run by the central government and state and local governments around the country. 📌Digital India and E-learning Initiatives: In recent years, the Digital India campaign has aimed to leverage technology for educational transformation. Initiatives like DIKSHA (Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing) provide digital content and resources to teachers and students. The move towards e-learning and digital classrooms has been accelerated to bridge gaps in access to quality education, especially in remote areas. 📌Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: This initiative aims to promote the education of the girl child and address gender disparities in education. By raising awareness about the importance of girls' education and providing incentives, it seeks to create a more inclusive and equitable educational environment. These initiatives reflect India's commitment to improving literacy rates and educational quality across the country. While challenges remain, these policies signify a concerted effort to provide accessible, equitable, and quality education to all citizens, thereby contributing to the nation's socio-economic development. Annual Status of Education Report (Rural) — According to the report, the basic reading levels for Class 3 children enrolled in government schools have been the highest since the survey began 20 years ago. — Reading level: The number of Class 3 children who can read a Class 2 textbook in government schools stands at 23.4%, up from 16.3% in 2022 and 20.9% in the pre-pandemic year of 2018. — Overall reading levels, across both government and private schools, too improved from 20.5% in 2022 to 27.1% in 2024, almost touching the pre-pandemic level of 27.3%. — Arithmetic levels, too, improved across both government and private schools. The percentage of Class 5 students who can read a Class 2 textbook has gone up from 42.8% in 2022 to 48.7% in 2024. — In line with the NEP's focus on providing early childhood care and education to all children before Class 1, the percentage of children aged between 3 and 5 who enrolled in some form of pre-school rose in 2024 over 2018 and 2022. India's educational programmes have witnessed notable progress, marked by rising literacy rates, improved enrolment, expanded infrastructure, technological advancements, and policy innovations However, it is also important to evaluate these initiatives in the context of obstacles they encounter. Some of the major challenges are: 1. Equity and Inclusion: Disparities persist based on socio-economic status, gender, and caste. Not all social groups have equal access to the expanding educational opportunities in India. Various marginalized communities often have limited access to quality education. 2. Disparities in Quality: Despite increased enrollment, ensuring quality education remains a challenge. Disparities exist between urban and rural areas, private and public schools, and among states. 3. Dropout Rates: Despite efforts, dropout rates at various educational levels remain high due to factors like poverty, child labor and lack of infrastructure. 4. Teacher Quality: The quality of education is heavily dependent on well-trained and motivated teachers. However, teacher shortages, uneven qualifications, and inadequate training persist. 5. Administrative Challenges: Bureaucratic red tape slows down policy implementation, hindering the effectiveness of educational programs. In conclusion, though, India's educational programmes have made progress in expanding access and introducing innovative policies, challenges related to equity, quality, teacher training, and curriculum need attention. Addressing these hurdles requires a multi-faceted approach that combines policy reforms, investments in infrastructure, teacher development, and a commitment to holistic education that nurtures critical thinking and practical skills. Prelims (1) Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education? (UPSC CSE 2012) 1. Directive Principles of State Policy 2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies 3. Fifth Schedule 4. Sixth Schedule 5. Seventh Schedule Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3, 4 and 5 only (c) 1, 2 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (2) Consider the following statements with reference to the ULLAS initiative: 1. It is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented from 2022-2027. 2. It is being implemented on volunteerism. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (3) With reference to the PM SHRI scheme, consider the following statements: 1. It is a scheme under the Union Ministry of School Education and Literacy. 2. It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. 3. It aims to transform only the primary schools and not higher secondary schools. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (4) Which among the following are the components of ULLAS scheme: 1. Critical Life Skills 2. Basic Education 3. Vocational Skills 4. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2, 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Mains How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate on your answer. ( UPSC CSE 2020) (Sources: Tripura is now a fully literate state, says CM Manik Saha, Top 10 Indian states/UTs with highest and lowest literacy rates: Mizoram becomes 1st 'fully literate' state, UPSC Essentials | Society and Social Justice — Literacy and associated issues (Part 3), Annual Status of Education Report (Rural) ALSO READ UPSC Essentials | Society & Social Justice : Literacy and associated issues (Part 1) UPSC Essentials | Society & Social Justice : Literacy and associated issues (Part 3) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
India Gazette
24-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
46th episode of 'Mukhyamantri Samipeshu' concludes; CM Manik Saha directs officials to take prompt action on public grievances
Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 24 (ANI): The 46th episode of the public outreach initiative Mukhyamantri Samipeshu--launched to address citizens' grievances--was successfully concluded on Tuesday. As part of the program, Chief Minister Manik Saha personally listened to various problems and complaints brought forward by residents from different subdivisions of the state. Taking note of each issue, the Chief Minister issued immediate directives to concerned officials, urging them to take necessary and prompt steps to resolve the matters. The initiative continues to serve as a bridge between the government and the people, ensuring that citizens' concerns are heard at the highest level and addressed with priority. This outreach effort has received positive feedback from citizens across the state, with many appreciating the transparent and responsive governance model it promotes. Earlier, CM Manik Saha on Monday said that the declaration of Tripura as fully literate was a 'historic moment'. He said everyone should be encouraged to study, and emphasis should be given to improving the skills of newly literate citizens and fostering self-reliance. 'Literacy in the country is very important for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The declaration of Tripura as the third fully literate state in the country is a historic moment. The Education Department must now focus on further increasing the literacy rate in Tripura,' Saha said. The CM said this at the declaration event and celebrations organised under the 'ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society)' - New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram) held at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan today. Saha said that today marks a truly historic moment for everyone, as Tripura has become the third state in the country to achieve full literacy. (ANI)
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Tripura becomes India's third fully literate state after Mizoram and Goa with 95.6% literacy rate
AGARTALA: In a significant development, Tripura was on Monday declared fully literate, with the state's literacy rate rising to 95.6 per cent. Addressing a function here, Director (Adult Education), Union Ministry of Education Preeti Meena said that after Mizoram and Goa, Tripura became the third in India to attain the distinction of being a fully literate state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She said that UNESCO has defined that states which cross the 95 per cent literacy rate, would be declared as fully literate. "According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report published for the financial year 2023-24, Tripura's literacy rate stood at 93.7 per cent. According to a previous survey, the state's non-literate population was 23,184. By successfully implementing the 'ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) - New India Literacy Programme', Tripura's literacy rate has now increased to 95.6 per cent," Meena said. She said that as per the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by 2030, India aims to be a fully literate nation. Meena asked the neo-literates to continue their learning so that in the 2027 Census, Tripura would be recorded as a fully-literate state. The Government of India had earlier launched the Centrally Sponsored Scheme 'ULLAS' for 2022-2027 to cover all aspects of 'Education For All' (erstwhile termed as Adult Education) to align with National Education Policy 2020. Addressing the function, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha said that in 1961, the literacy rate of the state was merely 20.24 per cent. "Overcoming numerous challenges, the state's literacy steadily rose, reaching 87.22 per cent in the 2011 Census from 73.66 per cent in 2001," he said. "In Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for 'Viksit Bharat 2047', literacy is a vital component," said CM Saha, who also holds the education portfolio of the state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now He said that under the ULLAS programme, reading, writing and basic arithmetic are three key aspects. The Chief Minister claimed that in per capita income and GDP, Tripura is the second- highest in northeastern states. A senior official of the Education Department said that under the leadership of the School Education Department, the State Literacy Mission Authority, State Council of Educational Research and Training, retired teachers, students from schools and colleges, volunteers and trained personnel from various levels worked together tirelessly to execute the ULLAS programme. According to the official, educational materials were prepared in Bengali, English, and tribal Kokborok languages; teachers and officials were specially trained; and students were engaged as volunteers. Through the relentless efforts of 2,228 volunteer teachers, 943 Social Awareness Centres, and the active involvement of the Youth Literacy Corps, education has reached even the remotest corners of Tripura. Some opened classrooms in their courtyards, while others taught the basics of literacy in hill markets. In the 2011 Census, Tripura ranked as the third-highest literate state in the country after Kerala and Mizoram. However, earlier literacy programmes mostly focussed on basic signature skills, the official pointed out. The government has moved beyond that approach, emphasising functional literacy. The official said that the goal was not only to impart basic literacy but also to ensure education in financial awareness, digital transactions, basic arithmetic, and various other practical skills through well-planned initiatives. Senior Tripura government officials were also present at the function.
India Gazette
23-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Historic moment": CM Manik Saha after Tripura declared as third 'fully literate' state in India
Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 23 (ANI): Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday said that the declaration of Tripura as fully literate was a 'historic moment'. He said everyone should be encouraged to study, and emphasis should be given to improving the skills of newly literate citizens and fostering self-reliance. 'Literacy in the country is very important for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The declaration of Tripura as the third fully literate state in the country is a historic moment. The Education Department must now focus on further increasing the literacy rate in Tripura,' Saha said. The CM said this at the declaration event and celebrations organised under the 'ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society)' - New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram) held at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan today. Saha said that today marks a truly historic moment for everyone, as Tripura has become the third state in the country to achieve full literacy. 'This is a matter of great pride for us and will be remembered as a milestone. Earlier, Mizoram and Goa had achieved the status of fully literate states. I congratulate all those who have worked tirelessly to implement this campaign, including the Education Department. Prime Minister Narendra Modi always speaks about Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas. Today, we have witnessed that spirit in action. Our goal is to ensure that the benefits of public welfare schemes reach the last person in society,' he said. Saha, who also serves as Tripura Education Minister, added that the Union Ministry of Education provided the framework for the campaign's success and extended all possible support. The Chief Minister noted that according to the 1961 census, the literacy rate in Tripura was only 20.24 per cent. It increased to 60.44 per cent in 1991, 73.19 per cent in 2001, and 87.22 per cent in 2011. 'The Nav Bharat Literacy Programme is progressing through the ULLAS initiative. In the 2023-24 financial year, the literacy rate reached 93.7 per cent, and in 2024-25, it rose to 95.6 per cent. However, this rate may increase further with a more comprehensive survey. Therefore, the Education Department must play an even more effective role in advancing this campaign,' he said. The Chief Minister also emphasised that when parents in a household are illiterate, they want their children to study--and now, educated children also want their parents to learn. 'Education is essential for everyone. In this regard, the Education Department must come forward to support those still distant from the light of education. The literacy campaign is a social movement. It cannot succeed with just a few teachers or trainers; it requires collective participation. There is joy in learning to read and write. Under the ULLAS program, about 943 Social Consciousness Centres have been established in every block and village of the state. Around 2,228 volunteer teachers are involved in this initiative. Additionally, school and college students and retired teachers are also contributing. Through combined efforts of all, we can build a better Tripura,' he said. Saha further mentioned that on March 17, 2024, a total of 4,597 people took the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test, out of which 3,581 passed. On December 29 of the same year, out of 14,179 candidates, 13,909 passed the test. In March this year, 5,819 out of 5,896 candidates passed. The event was attended by special guests Preeti Meena, Director (Adult Education) of the Union Ministry of Education; Raval Hemendra Kumar, Special Secretary, Department of Education; Director of Education NC Sharma, Director of SCERT L Darlong, along with eminent educationists and senior officials of the department. (ANI)
