Officials and participants at the one-day orientation programme for surveyors and voluntary teachers under the ULLAS held on May 20. (DIPR Photo)
ULLAS literacy drive targets non-literate population above 15 years
KOHIMA, May 20 (MExN): A one-day orientation programme for surveyors and voluntary teachers under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society): Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram was held on May 20, with officials stating that the centrally sponsored scheme aims to achieve full literacy in Nagaland by 2027.
The programme was organised at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, and targeted non-literate citizens aged 15 years and above, empowering them with foundational literacy and critical life skills, according to a DIPR report.
In his keynote address, ADC, Kohima, Ruopfükoutuo Noudi, NCS, said that while Nagaland has performed exceptionally well in terms of literacy rate, a sizeable population remains illiterate and has not been covered under formal education.
“Without basic education, it becomes a huge liability for individuals in accessing essential facilities and opportunities for self-improvement,” Noudi said, describing the survey as an important assignment. He expressed hope that the State would achieve the target of 100% literacy under the initiative.
Focus beyond just signing names
Noudi further stated that the core objective of the programme is to move beyond merely teaching people how to sign their names, and instead equip them with basic reading, writing, functional, and digital literacy skills.
He also mentioned the ULLAS mobile application and encouraged the surveyors to carry out the assignment with sincerity and dedication.
The ADC expressed hope that the initiative would not only improve the literacy rate but also contribute towards the overall development of society.
ULLAS is a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Government of India to achieve full literacy across the country. The programme focuses on foundational literacy and numeracy, critical life skills, and digital literacy for non-literate citizens aged 15 years and above.
Earlier, in her welcome address, District Education Officer, Kohima, Emilo Patton welcomed the officials and participants. She conveyed a message to the surveyors, emphasising that their role is to identify and register non-literate adults.
She encouraged them to take up the noble responsibility of teaching and spreading the joy of learning. Patton further stated that their role as surveyors is a major challenge, but one that can pave the way for holistic development.
The training session for the surveyors/voluntary teachers covered topics on ULLAS implementation, survey procedures, the ULLAS App, and the ULLAS Primer. Resource persons for the sessions included Zulumenla (ToT), Meyiesul Thapru (ToT), Hinilo Cheng (ToT), and Vibeizolie Yashü (ToT).
ADC & DMA, Samagra Shiksha, Kohima, Ruokuoneinuo, chaired the programme, and the programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Sr SDEO Kohima, Imtisangla.
