On its 39th Statehood Day, Goa becomes India’s fourth fully literate state under the Ullas – New India Literacy Programme.
In a landmark development on May 31, 2025, Goa was officially declared 100% literate by the Union Government of India. The announcement was made on the state’s 39th Statehood Day, under the Ullas – New India Literacy Programme, a nationwide initiative launched in April 2022. With a literacy rate of 99.7%, Goa has exceeded the programme’s benchmark of 95% required for full literacy recognition, becoming the fourth state in India to receive this designation.
What Is the Ullas – New India Literacy Programme?
The Ullas – New India Literacy Programme is a central government scheme introduced to boost adult literacy across the country. It focuses on providing educational access to individuals aged 15 and above who missed the opportunity to attend school. This initiative not only defines clear criteria for assessing literacy levels but also empowers communities by fostering a culture of learning and inclusion.
Key Features of the Scheme:
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Targets individuals aged 15+
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Literacy threshold set at 95% for full-state recognition
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Focuses on learning, empowerment, and social participation
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Implemented with active participation from state governments and local bodies
Goa's Literacy Journey: From 93.6% to 99.7%
The journey toward 100% literacy has been a collaborative effort involving multiple government departments, educational institutions, and grassroots organizations. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24, Goa initially had a literacy rate of 93.6%, one of the highest in the country.
However, the state’s internal survey revealed significant progress:
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82 panchayats declared 100% literacy
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33 panchayats reported 95–99% literacy
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1 municipality confirmed 99% literacy
In total, 76 panchayats and 13 municipalities were surveyed, including a municipal corporation. Out of 6,299 illiterate individuals identified during the process:
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2,136 people willingly enrolled in learning programs and completed them
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4,164 individuals declined due to reasons such as old age, medical issues, or other personal circumstances
Despite these challenges, Goa successfully raised its literacy rate to 99.7%, surpassing the national threshold.
Community-Driven Approach and Government Collaboration
According to Archana Sharma Awasthi, Joint Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, this achievement is deeply inspiring and demonstrates what is possible when government policy, community participation, and educational initiatives align.
Departments Involved:
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Directorate of Education
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Directorates of Panchayat and Municipal Administration
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Social Welfare Department
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Department of Planning and Statistics
These departments worked in synergy to reach even the most remote villages. The extensive on-ground surveys and educational outreach programs were instrumental in making sure no segment of society was left behind.
Human Stories Behind the Numbers
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant highlighted the emotional and social aspects of the campaign. He noted that people as old as 80 years participated in the program and successfully passed literacy exams, showcasing a deep desire for personal growth and community involvement.
Sawant also expressed confidence that this achievement would contribute to improving the state’s happiness index. He emphasized that the state is committed to continuing education efforts for those who are still willing to learn and announced that the next target is to make Goa 100% tuberculosis-free.
Timeline of the Literacy Drive
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April 2022: Launch of Ullas – New India Literacy Programme
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2023: Identification of 3,000 illiterate individuals aged 15+ in Goa
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729 individuals declared literate after attending classes and assessments
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2024–25: Full-scale outreach and assessment across all panchayats and municipalities
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May 31, 2025: Goa officially declared 100% literate
Goa’s Model: A Blueprint for Other States
Goa’s achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of:
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Clear policy directives
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Community engagement
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Localized surveys and assessments
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Cross-departmental cooperation
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Educational inclusivity
For other Indian states striving to boost literacy rates, Goa’s path offers an instructive and replicable model. The state's ability to exceed the 95% benchmark showcases the power of consistent educational efforts and targeted interventions.
The Bigger Picture: Literacy as a Catalyst for Progress
Goa’s success in achieving 100% literacy goes beyond numbers—it represents:
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Empowerment of marginalized populations
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Increased participation in civic and economic life
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Better health, employment, and social outcomes
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Higher happiness and quality-of-life indices
This milestone reaffirms that universal literacy is not just a goal—it is an achievable reality with the right mix of vision, commitment, and grassroots participation.
A New Chapter for India’s Education Movement
Goa's declaration as a fully literate state on its 39th Statehood Day stands as a testament to the transformative potential of inclusive and focused educational policies. As India marches toward universal literacy, Goa sets a powerful example of how a state known for its tourism and culture can also lead in education and human development.
With literacy, comes empowerment. With empowerment, comes progress. Goa has proven that even the most ambitious goals can be realized with collaboration, clarity, and compassion.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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