Panaji: Goa was declared a fully literate state under the Union government’s ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) New India Literacy Programme on the occasion of the 39th Goa Statehood Day on Friday, after achieving a literacy rate of 99.72%.
The announcement was made by Archana Awasthi, Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of Education.
Director of the State Council for Education, Research and Training, Meghana Shetgaonkar said that 82 panchayats have achieved 100% literacy, while others have recorded rates exceeding the national benchmark of 95%
“After identifying 6,299 illiterate individuals, 2,136 of them were provided training,” she said.
The ULLAS scheme targets individuals aged 15 and above who missed formal schooling and offers them a second chance at literacy through a volunteer-based model. Despite the milestone, 4,163 individuals remain illiterate due to old age and medical issues.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said Goa had reached around 94% literacy earlier this year, following which individuals—including those above 80—were identified and offered reading and writing classes. Sawant added that Goa’s achievement reflects sustained efforts in strengthening the education sector and implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Secretary (Education) Prasad Lolayekar, IAS, said Goa joins Mizoram and the Union Territory of Ladakh in being declared fully literate.
“Only thing was, Mizoram was declared first as their statehood day came before Goa,” he said.
