Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, is set to inaugurate the two-day ULLAS Mela on 6th February 2024. The event will take place at the National Bal Bhavan in New Delhi. Union Minister of State for Education, Smt. Annpurna Devi, will also be present as the Special Guest.
ULLAS Scheme
To achieve the target of 100% literacy by 2030, the Government of India has launched the Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram, also known as the New India Literacy Program. A central component of this initiative is the ULLAS scheme, which stands for Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society.
Target Audience
The ULLAS scheme aims to address the literacy needs of all non-literates aged 15 years and above, particularly focusing on adults who couldn’t receive formal education.
Components of the Scheme
- Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN): Emphasizes basic literacy and numeracy skills.
- Critical Life Skills: Includes Digital Literacy, Financial Literacy, Legal Literacy, Environmental Literacy, Health & Hygiene, etc.
- Basic Education: Providing fundamental education.
- Vocational Skills: Focused on imparting practical skills.
- Continuing Education: Encouraging lifelong learning.
Implementation
The ULLAS scheme is implemented through volunteerism, encouraging citizen participation and promoting a sense of duty (Kartavya Bodh) towards nation-building. The approach is hybrid, with States/UTs having flexibility in adopting offline, online, or combined methods.
ULLAS App
An app has been developed to facilitate the registration of learners and volunteers. It also contains teaching-learning materials. Learners are certified as literate through bi-annual assessments in September and March.
Organizers
The Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education, is organizing the ULLAS Mela in collaboration with CNCL (Central National Council for Literacy) and NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training).
Event Activities
The ULLAS Mela on 6th-7th February 2024 will showcase various national and state-level activities under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram. Activities include felicitation of Neo-literates, launch of ULLAS Concise Primers in local languages, sessions on best practices, a panel discussion, and prize distribution for a poster-making competition held during the International Literacy Week.
Participants
More than 700 participants from various States/UTs and over 100 dignitaries from the Ministry of Education, States/UTs, and various organizations are expected to participate in the event.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- What does ULLAS stand for in the context of the literacy program?
- A) Universal Learning for Lifelong Achievement and Skills
- B) Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society
- C) United Literacy and Learning for Advanced Skills
- D) Universal Learning Legacy for Academic Success
- Answer: B
- What is the main target audience of the ULLAS scheme?
- A) Children aged 5-14 years
- B) Adults aged 18-35 years
- C) Non-literates aged 15 years and above
- D) School-going students of all ages
- Answer: C
- Which component of the ULLAS scheme focuses on practical skills?
- A) Foundational Literacy and Numeracy
- B) Critical Life Skills
- C) Basic Education
- D) Vocational Skills
- Answer: D
- How is the ULLAS scheme implemented?
- A) Exclusively through online methods
- B) Through volunteerism and a hybrid approach
- C) Only through offline methods
- D) Implemented directly by the Ministry of Education
- Answer: B
- What is the purpose of the ULLAS App?
- A) To provide entertainment for learners
- B) To facilitate the registration of learners and volunteers
- C) To conduct bi-annual assessments
- D) To promote vocational skills
- Answer: B