The Government of India has planned to initiate Adult Education and Lifelong Learning under the National Education Policy 2020. In the Union Budget 2021-22 announcement the government has allocated additional funds to procure resources that are required for the online modules covering the entire gamut of adult education procedures.
The main objectives of the scheme is to impart not only foundational literacy and numeracy but also to cover other components that are required for a citizen of the 21st century. Under this scheme the government aims to develop many critical life skills like; financial literacy, digital literacy, commercial skills, health care and awareness, child care and education, family welfare; vocational skills development, basic education, etc.
Adult Education and Lifelong Learning implementation
The scheme will be implemented through volunteerism through online mode across the country. All the equipment 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 of 15 years and above in all states/UTs across the country.
Salient features
- The implementation of this scheme will be done through government schools across India.
- The schools will be conducting surveys of beneficiaries and voluntary Teachers (VTs) for scheme implementation.
- The scheme adapts different strategies for different age groups.
Use of Technologies to impart Adult Education for wider coverage of the scheme.
According to the latest Census report of 2011, the number of non-literates in the country at 15 years and above is more than 25.76 crore (Male 9.08 crores, Female 16.68 crores). In consideration of the progress of persons certified as literates being to the tune of 7.64 crores Under the “Saakshar Bharat” programme about 7.64 crores people are certified as literates during 2009-10 to 2017-18”. Under this new scheme the government tries to increase the literacy rate under NEP 2020.