Chandigarh eyes 100% literacy: Teachers to 'adopt' one non-literate adult each

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The Department of School Education in Chandigarh has directed all government school teachers and principals to adopt at least one non-literate adult, to ensure 100% literacy in the union territory.

Dear Principals/Heads/Teachers, In our endeavor to achieve 100% literacy in the city, your support and active contribution are vital. Let us join forces to identify one non-literate adult and offer them support and guidance towards achieving literacy and assessment success. We pic.twitter.com/kIby2acdAQ
Department of School Education, Chandigarh (@SchoolEduChd) April 8, 2025

Under the Centre’s scheme Understanding of Lifelong Learning for all in Society (ULLAS), the department is striving for 100% literacy in Chandigarh. “Dear Principals/Heads/Teachers, In our endeavour to achieve 100% literacy in the city, your support and active contribution are vital. Let us join forces to identify one non-literate adult and offer them support and guidance towards achieving literacy and assessment success. We look forward to your individual commitment to this initiative,” the department wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

According to the department, Chandigarh currently has a literacy rate of around 92%, and this initiative is expected to help push it beyond 95%. Cities or states that score over 95% in the newly introduced Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT), held twice annually, can be declared fully literate.

Approximately 7,700 non-literate adults have been identified across the city so far. The department is planning to conduct their literacy examination in September 2025. Beginning with the 2025–26 academic session, all principals, heads, and teachers in government schools will be required to mentor at least one adult in basic reading, writing, and numeracy skills.

Teachers will earn two marks toward the annual state teacher award for every adult they teach, and an additional three marks if the adult passes the foundational literacy and numeracy assessment. While they are encouraged to teach more, a maximum of 10 marks can be awarded under this initiative.

"We've already established Samajik Chetna Kendras in 47 schools to facilitate adult education. More schools are in the process of setting these up. Our goal is not just to meet numbers but to ensure that adult learners gain meaningful skills that improve their daily lives,” Harsuhinderpal Singh Brar, director of school education, said.