{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Adult Education Campaign Expands Across South West Garo Hills as ULLAS Initiative Targets Non-Literate Residents",
  "summary": "An extensive adult literacy drive under the ULLAS initiative is underway in South West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, with field workers conducting door-to-door surveys to register non-literate adults for foundational and digital learning.",
  "content": "A major educational push is underway in the South West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya as the ULLAS adult literacy drive actively works to locate and support non-literate adults. Field workers in the region have initiated extensive door-to-door surveys and registration campaigns. The primary objective of these grassroots efforts is to connect individuals with essential foundational education alongside practical daily life skills, ensuring that no resident is left behind in the journey toward literacy.\n\nThe National Context of the Literacy Drive\nThis local campaign is part of a broader national framework established by the Government of India. It operates under the Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, also known as the New India Literacy Programme, which spans a five-year period from 2022 to 2027. The project specifically focuses on empowering non-literate citizens who are 15 years of age and older. By targeting this demographic, the initiative aims to bridge the educational gap for those who missed out on primary schooling during their childhood, giving them a second chance at self-sufficiency.\n\nGrassroots Mobilisation and Local Outreach\nTo implement this programme effectively on the ground, a dedicated network of educators has been deployed. Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs) and Volunteer Teachers (VTs) are working across 37 Cluster Resource Centres (CRCs) in the district. These educators are personally visiting local communities to identify prospective learners, build trust, and spread awareness about the benefits of education. A key part of their current objective is helping these newly identified learners register for the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT). This assessment acts as a formal measure of their progress and understanding. The outreach has already targeted key areas within the district, including regions covered by the CRCs of Agalgre, Ampati, Arakgittim, and Matalagre.\n\nCommunity Involvement and Public Events\nThe success of the ULLAS campaign heavily relies on community participation and local leadership. To ensure widespread engagement, organisers have been holding collaborative meetings with traditional village heads, specifically the Nokmas and Gaonburas. In addition to these leadership discussions, the campaign has distributed informative pamphlets and conducted high-energy literacy rallies to capture public attention. On September 9, a dedicated awareness programme designed specifically for neo-learners took place in Goldatgre village, which is situated under the Betasing block. This event aimed to encourage those who have recently started their learning journey to remain committed to their goals.\n\nEngaging the Youth and Inter-Departmental Synergy\nSchools throughout the district have also played an active role in supporting the literacy drive. During the ULLAS Literacy Fortnight, young students participated in various district-wide literacy rallies to promote the cause. Educational competitions were also organized to foster creativity and emphasize the importance of lifelong learning. For instance, drawing competitions were held under the Murchapani and Salmanpara CRCs, giving children an active role in spreading the message of education within their families and neighbourhoods. To ensure smooth administration, a high-level district coordination meeting was convened. This meeting featured key administrative figures, including the Deputy Commissioner, Block Development Officers (BDOs), the District School Education Officer (DSEO), the Sub-District School Education Officer (SDSEO), and Block Mission Coordinators (BMCs). These officials reviewed the ongoing progress and devised strategies to further strengthen the implementation of the programme across South West Garo Hills.\n\nHolistic Educational Goals\nThe ULLAS initiative goes far beyond teaching basic academic skills like reading, writing, and simple arithmetic. It is designed to be a comprehensive life-enhancement program. It places a significant emphasis on equipping adult learners with modern digital participation skills, enabling them to navigate the digital world safely and effectively. Additionally, the programme introduces vital life skills that are crucial for daily survival and economic independence. Ultimately, the ULLAS drive aims to create sustainable opportunities for continuous, lifelong learning, helping adults adapt to a rapidly changing world.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThis initiative helps bridge the educational gap, empowering non-literate adults with critical life skills that improve daily transactions and digital safety.\n\n• Across India: The New India Literacy Programme aims to elevate the national literacy rate by targeting citizens aged 15 and above. This nationwide push means millions of adults will gain access to digital banking, basic reading, and writing tools to improve their livelihood.\n• In Meghalaya: Localized drives in South West Garo Hills are actively bringing educational infrastructure directly to rural households. Residents in remote areas will receive personalized support from volunteer teachers to clear foundational tests.\n• Digital Literacy: The curriculum heavily emphasizes digital integration and mobile banking safety. Learners will be able to navigate government portals and execute online financial transactions safely.\n• Community Development: Active participation from local leaders like Nokmas and Gaonburas strengthens local governance. This ensures that community-level problems are addressed collectively through increased administrative awareness.\n\nWhy this happened\nThe ULLAS drive is a response to the persistent gap in adult literacy, particularly in remote and rural pockets of the country.\n\n• National Mandate: The Central Government launched the Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram to address the needs of non-literate individuals aged 15 and above. This program is scheduled to run from 2022 to 2027 to systematically phase out illiteracy.\n• Grassroots Gap: Rural areas in districts like South West Garo Hills often lack accessible adult education centers. Deploying Cluster Resource Centres helps take learning materials and educators directly to the doorsteps of villagers.\n• Administrative Coordination: Ongoing evaluations by school education officers and block coordinators ensure that local challenges are met with resources. This structured coordination enables the smooth execution of district-wide awareness campaigns.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. What is the main objective of the ULLAS initiative in South West Garo Hills?\nThe primary goal is to identify non-literate adults aged 15 and above and provide them with foundational education, numeracy, and essential life skills.\n\n2. What is the timeframe for the Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram?\nThis central government initiative is scheduled to run for five years, starting from 2022 and ending in 2027.\n\n3. Who is carrying out the door-to-door surveys in the district?\nThe surveys and registrations are being conducted by Volunteer Teachers (VTs) and Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs).\n\n4. Which local regions in South West Garo Hills are covered by the outreach?\nThe campaign has covered several CRC areas, including Agalgre, Ampati, Arakgittim, and Matalagre.\n\n5. What assessment test do the adult learners register for?\nLearners are registered to take the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/meghalaya/south-west-garo-hills-men-vayaskon-ko-sakshara-banane-ki-muhima-teja-ullas-pahala-ke-tahata-ghara-ghara-pahuncha-rahe-karyakarta-32723",
  "category": "Meghalaya",
  "publishedAt": "2026-09-16",
  "tags": [
    "ULLAS Literacy Campaign",
    "Meghalaya Education",
    "South West Garo Hills",
    "Adult Literacy",
    "New India Literacy Programme",
    "Foundational Education"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}