In a groundbreaking development, the Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department (SED) conducted the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram (NBSK) for the first time. This adult education program, initiated by the Centre, aims to cater to individuals above the age of 15 who have never had the opportunity to attend school. Approximately 1.87 lakh individuals participated in the FLNAT across the region, marking a significant milestone in the initiative’s outreach efforts.
Sajjad Hassan Masood, an official from the Ministry of Education (MoE) tasked with overseeing the exam centers in Kashmir, highlighted the significance of the program. He stated, “This is the inaugural administration of FLNAT in J&K under the ULLA scheme, targeting individuals above 15 years who lack formal education.” The primary objective of the scheme is to provide education to the uneducated and illiterate population while facilitating their integration into contemporary society. The scheme aims to promote literacy and numeracy skills, enabling individuals to engage in digital literacy and other practical applications, ultimately enhancing their prospects for sustainable livelihoods.
Masood further noted that the initial target was to reach 1.87 lakh individuals, but the overwhelming response from various remote areas exceeded expectations.
Approximately 8,000 schools served as examination centers, with 13,000 teachers appointed to oversee the learners’ exams as part of the adult education program. In Baramulla, the objective was to engage with 15,407 learners, yet the participation on Sunday surpassed expectations, with 17,570 learners opting for FLNAT. Alongside officials from the Ministry of Education, Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, J&K, Rakesh Mangotra, visited multiple examination centers to monitor learner participation. Chief Education Officer (CEO) of Baramulla, Balbir Singh Raina, accompanied by an official from the Ministry of Education, visited various examination centers throughout the district, including schools located in remote areas of the Uri sector.
The School Education Department (SED) has identified and registered over 600,000 non-literate individuals aged 15 and above for participation in adult education programs. These registrations were made through the Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) online portal, administered by the Centre for Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram (NBSK), an adult education program. Launched by the Centre in 2022, the initiative was introduced in J&K in September 2023, coinciding with Literacy Week celebrations. The new centrally-sponsored scheme, Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakramme, approved for 2022-2027, aims to encompass all aspects of education for all, formerly known as Adult Education, aligning with the National Education Policy-2020.
Various surveys conducted by Deputy Commissioners (DCs) were authenticated through the respective CEO offices. According to officials, over 600,000 non-literates have been registered on the portal to date, with expectations of a higher number based on ongoing surveys. Additionally, the department has registered volunteers to educate these individuals. The scheme relies on volunteer-driven efforts, with volunteers comprising government employees, retirees, or any other educated individuals. Currently, 50,404 volunteers are registered on the online portal, poised to teach non-literates at their convenience.
The Centre has set a target of educating 50 million learners in Foundational Literacy and Numeracy using the Online Teaching, Learning, and Assessment System (OTLAS) in collaboration with NIC, NCERT, and NIOS.
