National Literacy Mission (NLM) was launched in 1988 to import functional literacy to non-literates in the age group of 15-35 in a time bound manner. By the end of 10th Plan period, NLM had made 127.45 million persons literate of which, 60% learners were females. 23 per cent belonged to SCs and 12 per cent of STs. Despite significant accomplishments, 2001 census revealed that there were still 304 million illiterates in the country and gender, social and regional disparities in literacy continued to persist.




To raise literacy level and bridge disparities, the Government, on 8th September, 2009, have launched a new variant of National Literacy Mission, namely Saakshar Bharat, with special focus on female literacy. The new Mission aims to impart literacy to 70 million non-literate adults including 60 million women and 10 million men. Such districts that have female literacy rate of 50 per cent or below will be covered under the Scheme. In the year 2009-10, the Mission has been rolled out in 167 districts in 19 States.

Saakshar Bharat Scheme has not only been relieved of the shortcomings noted in its preceding edition, but also, several new features added to it. Basic Literacy, Post literacy and Continuing Education, under the scheme, will form a continuum rather than sequential segments. Besides the volunteer based mass campaign approach, provision has been made for alternative approaches to adult education. Lok Shiksha Kendras (Adult Education Centres) will be set up in Gram Panchayats to coordinate the entire range of Adult Education, including Literacy, Post Literacy, Basic Education, Vocational Education and Life Long Learning within their territorial jurisdiction. State Governments and Panchayati Raj Institutions, along with civil society and community, will be valued stakeholders in the programme.





This information was given by the Minister of State for Human Resource Development Smt. D. Purandeswari, in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabh