Chandigarh declared fully literate Union Territory
Why in news
Chandigarh has achieved a 99.93% literacy rate, officially earning the tag of a “Fully Literate Union Territory.”
It becomes the 6th State/UT in India and the 2nd Union Territory to cross the 95% literacy benchmark set under National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020).
Programme behind the achievement
The milestone was achieved under ULLAS – Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society, a nationwide adult education programme.
The initiative focuses on:
Foundational literacy and numeracy
Critical life skills
Vocational skills
Basic education
Continuing education
Key statistics
Literacy rate increased from 93.7% → 99.93%.
15,556 citizens participated in the literacy programme.
14,711 people successfully cleared the literacy assessment.
Women’s literacy rose significantly from 90.7% → 99.89%.
Under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, implemented through the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) scheme, a region, state, or Union Territory is considered “fully literate” when the literacy rate among people aged 15 and above exceeds 95%.Ladakh – First Union Territory to become fully literate (2024) Chandigarh – Second Union Territory (2026) First fully literate state: Mizoram (2025) First fully literate UT: Ladakh Scheme: The initiative is managed under the ULLAS - Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (2022–2027). | ||
Prelims pointers
ULLAS scheme launched in 2022 for adult education (age 15+).
Implemented by the Ministry of Education.
Target: achieve functional literacy and numeracy by 2027.
Aligns with NEP 2020 goal of universal literacy.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. With reference to the ULLAS scheme, consider the following statements:
It aims to provide literacy and life skills to adults aged 15 years and above.
It is implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship.
It supports the literacy targets of the National Education Policy 2020.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
Statement 1: Correct — ULLAS targets adult literacy (15+ age group).
Statement 2: Incorrect — It is implemented by the Ministry of Education, not the Ministry of Skill Development.
Statement 3: Correct — It supports NEP 2020 literacy goals.