Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 14 December 2024
The State Literacy Mission Authority (SLMA) launched a comprehensive survey in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to identify non-literates, neo-literates, and voluntary teachers. The event was held at Shiksha Sadan and attended virtually by functionaries of the National Literacy Mission Programme (NILP) at various levels, including 705 registered surveyors from District, Block, Cluster, School, and Samajik Chetna Kendra (SCK).
Dr. Jatinder Sohal, Director (Education), who was the chief guest at the launch, praised the dedication of all involved in the survey. He emphasised the importance of ensuring no one is left out of the initiative, aiming for 100% literacy across the islands. “The efforts of each functionary are crucial in achieving this goal,” Dr. Sohal said.
In his address, Mr. S. Suresh Kumar, Deputy Director (Education for All) and State Nodal Officer for ULLAS-NILP, welcomed the gathering. He explained that non-literates and neo-literates identified through the survey would be enrolled at their nearest SCK, located in school buildings, where they would receive teaching-learning support. The objective is to prepare these individuals to sit for the Foundational Literacy & Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT)-2025, and upon passing, they will be awarded a certificate confirming their literacy.
Mr. Dinesh Kumar Singh, Project Officer (ULLAS-NILP), further elaborated on the survey’s paperless nature, with data being collected and processed through the ULLAS App. In areas with no connectivity, data will be stored in the app and uploaded later. He reaffirmed the SLMA’s commitment to the vision of ‘Sabka Saath-Sabka Vikas,’ underscoring the survey’s role in promoting inclusive development in the region.