Padhna Likhna Abhiyan Scheme

On the occasion of International Literacy Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched Padhna Likhna Abhiyan Scheme to tackle the literacy-related challenges in the post-COVID-19 world. It is a new scheme promoting adult education. 

A centrally sponsored scheme with a financial outlay of Rs 224.95 Crore including a central share of Rs 148.74 Crore and a State share of Rs 76.21 Crore. A physical target of 57 Lakh learners to be made literate for implementation in FY 2020-21 with immediate effect.

Main features of Padhna Likhna Abhiyan Scheme

  • The focus is on the basic literacy component following a 4-month cycle. The priority will be given to aspirational districts.
  • The Padhna Likhna Abhiyan scheme is covering both urban and rural areas,. The information regarding the target and budget of states and union territories are part of the annexure with the details enclosed in operational guidelines. It is the responsibility of the state and union territories to distribute the target to the districts.
  • The scheme has adopted the flexible approach and innovative methodologies such as involving school and college students, or other volunteers belonging to NSS, NCC, and NYKS for imparting basic literacy.
  • There will be a project approval board at the National level under Padhna Likhna Abhiyan Scheme to give approval for the annual plans of States and Union Territories. Secretaries of Education will present their Annual Plans, based on district plans, on the portal being developed by NIC, in the PAB meetings.
  • The Padhna Likhna Abhiyan scheme is also allowing the convergence of the Ministry of Rural Development, Skill development, Information Technology, Finance, Sports, and Youth welfare schemes of various institutions like NCC and NSS, NGOs/Civil Society & CSR sector may be taken up.
  • Formation and involvement of SHGs, Voluntary & User Groups, and other community-based organizations may be encouraged.
  • Basic Literacy Assessment under the scheme will be conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) for adult learners, thrice a year.

"Literacy need not be viewed as an end in itself. It is a very important matter of concern for our country. A large part of the country’s population is under 35 years of age. This young population, entering into the world work. Without having adequate levels of education and vocational skills will become difficult for all of us to take advantage of the demographic dividend.

We have to think about how the youth can be brought into the ambit of education and lifelong learning.

Under the campaign ‘Padhna Likhna Abhiyan’ launched by the Ministry of Education, students will be engaged and encouraged to teach illiterate elderly people of their respective areas.