In a landmark achievement for the state and the country, Goa has been officially declared a fully literate state under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative. This announcement, made on Goa’s 39th Statehood Day, marks a significant milestone in India’s pursuit of inclusive and lifelong education.
With a literacy rate of 99.5%, Goa now becomes the second state in India after Mizoram to achieve complete functional literacy under the Centre’s transformative literacy mission.
A Historic Statehood Day Declaration
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant made the announcement on Friday, emphasizing the state’s continued commitment to education and community development. “Our sustained collective efforts to strengthen the education sector through innovations and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 have yielded extraordinary results,” said Sawant during the Statehood Day celebrations.
Goa, once a union territory until its elevation to statehood in 1987, has now written a new chapter in its education journey by aligning with the ambitious vision of ULLAS, which targets functional literacy for all citizens above the age of 15.
What Is ULLAS?
The ULLAS initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, seeks to provide a second opportunity to those who missed out on formal schooling. The program is focused on individuals aged 15 and above who have remained illiterate or semi-literate and aims to empower them through community-based learning, basic literacy training, and digital tools. It works on the principle of volunteerism, where educated individuals mentor and guide others in their communities.
Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Archana Awasthi, confirmed Goa’s eligibility under ULLAS, stating that the state had surpassed the key benchmark of a 95% literacy rate, which qualifies a state to be considered fully literate under the scheme.
Behind the Numbers: 99.5% Literacy
Achieving nearly universal literacy did not come overnight. According to Meghana Shetgaonkar, Director of the State Council for Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Goa identified 6,299 individuals who were illiterate. Of these, 2,136 individuals underwent focused training programs in reading, writing, and basic numeracy.
Shetgaonkar also noted the role of grassroots governance in driving the change. “Eighty-two panchayats have achieved 100% literacy, while others have recorded significantly high literacy rates, all exceeding the national benchmark,” she said.
The state’s efforts involved reaching out to marginalized groups, including the elderly, homemakers, daily wage workers, and individuals in remote rural areas. The community-based approach, combined with digital learning and one-on-one mentorship, made the literacy drive more inclusive and effective.
Education for All Ages
Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of Goa’s literacy success story is the inclusion of senior citizens, many of whom had never attended school. Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Sawant said, “We reached around 94% literacy earlier this year. We then identified people—including those above 80 years of age—who were eager to learn. I want to specially thank the elderly citizens who, at an advanced stage in life, took the courageous step to become literate.”
This aspect of the initiative has been celebrated nationwide, with educators and policymakers lauding the spirit of lifelong learning displayed by Goa’s citizens.
A Model for the Nation
Goa’s success under the ULLAS initiative is being viewed as a model for other Indian states, many of which still grapple with pockets of adult illiteracy and limited access to educational resources. By leveraging community networks, local governance bodies, and digital platforms, Goa has demonstrated a scalable and sustainable model for achieving total literacy.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes foundational literacy and numeracy, adult education, and lifelong learning, has been instrumental in shaping Goa’s education strategies. With NEP and ULLAS working in tandem, the state’s efforts stand as a blueprint for inclusive and transformative educational reform.
Celebrating Human Stories
Behind the statistics are thousands of personal triumphs—individuals who have gained not just the ability to read and write but also a renewed sense of purpose and confidence.
One such learner is Shanta Gaude, an 82-year-old from North Goa who took her first literacy class just a year ago. “I always wanted to write my name and read letters. Now I can read bus signs, help my grandchildren with homework, and sign my name with pride,” she said with tears in her eyes.
These stories of perseverance and transformation are the beating heart of the ULLAS movement and are now being compiled into digital archives to inspire future learners.
Looking Ahead
Chief Minister Sawant has promised to build on this success by focusing on digital literacy, vocational skills, and continued adult education programs to ensure that literacy translates into socio-economic empowerment.
“In today’s world, being able to read and write is just the beginning. We want to ensure our citizens are digitally literate, financially aware, and fully prepared to participate in the 21st-century economy,” he said.
As India continues its march towards becoming a knowledge-driven society, Goa’s success story stands as a shining beacon of possibility—a testament to what can be achieved through political will, community participation, and a shared belief in the transformative power of education.
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