Under the New India Literacy Program, also known as ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, Goa has been formally proclaimed a fully literate state. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant on May 30, 2025, at the 39th Statehood Day celebrations at Panaji’s Dinanath Mangeshkar Kala Mandir.
With this accomplishment, Goa becomes the second Indian state to surpass the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s 95% literacy target. The state has joined the national effort to attain universal literacy by 2030.
Cabinet Ministers, the Chief Secretary of Goa, Archana Sharma Awasthi, the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Education, and other high-ranking officials and state residents were present at the event.
The PLFS Report 2023–24 states that Goa’s literacy, Goa’s literacy rate stood at 93.60%, among the highest in the country. However, the state’s recent survey shows that Goa has now crossed this mark and achieved full literacy.
To achieve this goal, the state government used a combined effort involving multiple departments. The Directorate of Panchayats, the Directorate of Municipal Administration, the Directorate of Social Welfare, the Directorate of Planning & Statistics, and the Directorate of Women & Child Development all helped identify non-literate residents in their areas.
Volunteers called Swayampurna Mitras were also involved. They helped raise awareness, guided learners through the literacy programme, and supported them in getting certified. Field workers from the Social Welfare Department also helped find and support learners.
The education team, SCERT, local administration, school heads, and many volunteers were praised for their dedication and teamwork. The success of this campaign in Goa highlights how people-based and volunteer-driven efforts can lead to big change when supported by good planning and cooperation.
ULLAS SCHEME: WHAT IS IT?
Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society, or ULLAS, is a central government program that will run from 2022 to 2027. It targets adults who are at least 15 years old and unable to attend or finish school.
The program is divided into five sections: basic education, vocational skills, critical life skills, continuing education, and foundational literacy and numeracy. It is run by volunteers and motivated by the concept of “Kartavya Bodh,” or public duty.
Currently, 41 lakh volunteer teachers and over 2.40 crore students have signed up for the ULLAS mobile app throughout India. The Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test has been taken by more than 1.77 crore students. The success of Goa under this program is regarded as a template for other states.
With PBI inputs