Why in News?

• The Minister of State for Education has recently provided information about the New India Literacy Programme (NILP) in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

Highlights

• The Government has launched the Centrally Sponsored Scheme “New India Literacy Programme” (NILP) for implementation during five years from the FYs 2022-23 to 2026-27 with financial outlay of Rs.1037.90 crore.
• The scheme aims to cover a target of 5.00 crore non-literates in the age group of 15 years and above.
• Door-to-door surveys on a mobile app are conducted by surveyors in the States/UTs to identify beneficiaries.
• Non-literates can also register directly through a mobile app.
• The scheme is mainly based on volunteerism for teaching and learning, and volunteers can register through the mobile app.
• The scheme Is implemented predominantly through the online mode and is based on technology.
• The teaching and learning material and resources are available on the DIKSHA platform of NCERT and can be accessed through mobile apps
• The absolute number of non-literates of the country in 15 years and above age group is 25.76 crore (Male 9.08 crore, Female 16.68 crore).
• In consideration of the progress of persons certified as literates being to the tune of 7.64 crore under the Saakshar Bharat programme implemented during 2009-10 to 2017-18, it is estimated that currently around 18.12 crore adults are still non-literate in India.