Over 600,000 Illiterates Appear for Basic Literacy Test 

As part of an initiative mandated by the Central Government to boost literacy rates, a staggering 621,000 individuals have registered for the Navbharat Literacy Programme in the state. On Sunday, March 17th, a Basic Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test was administered as part of this program.

The test aimed to provide essential life skills to individuals aged 15 and above. It covered various areas such as reading, writing, numeracy, financial literacy, disaster management, healthcare, childcare, and family welfare. Committees were formed at the state, district, group, and school levels to oversee the program’s execution.

The assessment occurred in designated school centres from 10 am to 5 pm and was divided into three sections: reading, writing, and numeracy. Each section carried 50 marks, totaling 150 marks. To qualify, a minimum of 33 marks in each section was required.

According to program officials, out of the 654,000 initially registered illiterates, those who successfully pass the test will be conferred with a ‘literacy certificate’ by the National Institute of Open Schools (NIOS), as a testament to their newfound literacy skills.

Throughout the program’s implementation, a concerted effort has been made with the collaboration of teachers and students to provide literacy lessons to the enrolled illiterates. This latest round of assessments marks a pivotal step towards achieving the program’s overarching goal of fostering literacy among marginalized communities.