Srinagar, Sep 05: Jammu and Kashmir has been declared a Fully Literate Union Territory after achieving a literacy rate of 98.43 per cent under the ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (NBSK),
Education Minister Sakina Masood Itoo announced on Saturday. Itoo made the announcement while addressing a Teachers’ Day function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar), describing the achievement as a significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir’s education journey. According to the minister, the Union Territory has now crossed the 95 per cent literacy benchmark prescribed under the ULLAS framework for declaring an area fully literate.
She said Jammu and Kashmir had progressively achieved literacy milestones through district-level declarations, with the remaining areas subsequently brought under the ULLAS programme.
The process ultimately culminated in the declaration of the entire Union Territory as fully literate. Itoo said Jammu and Kashmir now ranks 10th in the country in terms of the achievement.
The accomplishment represents far more than a statistical milestone. It signifies greater dignity, confidence, independence, social participation and access to opportunities for thousands of citizens who have acquired the ability to read, write, comprehend and participate more effectively in everyday life.
The ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram was launched in Jammu & Kashmir in the year 2023 with the vision of ensuring that every non-literate person gets an opportunity to acquire Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) skills and becomes an informed, confident and empowered citizen.
Seven hundred and fifty-eight lac (7.58 Lacs) adult illiterates were identified by the launch of the programme, a comprehensive identification and mobilisation exercise was undertaken across the Union Territory.
Between the years 2023 to 2026, a total of 7.58 lakh non-literate persons were identified through systematic door-to-door surveys, community awareness campaigns, mobilisation drives and other outreach mechanisms undertaken by the Department of School Education.
The success of ULLAS has been powered by the spirit of Jan Bhagidari. Teachers, volunteers, educational institutions, district administrations, community representatives and citizens joined hands to identify learners, facilitate their participation in learning activities and provide support throughout the assessment process.
The programme has consequently evolved beyond a conventional government initiative into a people's movement for literacy, reaffirming that collective participation and community ownership are essential for achieving transformational social outcomes.
On the occasion of Teachers Day, the Hon'ble Minister for Education, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, congratulated the people of the Union Territory on this historic achievement and in her statement retriated that:
MAJOR EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVES INAUGURATED UNDER SAMAGRA SHIKSHA
On the occasion, the Minister for Education, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, also inaugurated a series of major educational initiatives under SAMAGRA Shiksha at SKICC Srinagar, reaffirming the Government's commitment towards strengthening the quality, accessibility and relevance of school education across the Union Territory. The initiatives inaugurated include:
460 civil works undertaken for strengthening and improving school infrastructure at the cost of Rs.38 crores.
2,403 Vocational Labs established in High and Higher Secondary Schools, aimed at promoting skill-based education, experiential learning and enhanced employability among students.
Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK), Srinagar, established as a technology-enabled mechanism for strengthening data-driven monitoring, academic support and real- time review of educational outcomes.
The declaration of Jammu & Kashmir as a Fully Literate Union Territory marks an important milestone in the UT's educational journey. It also reinforces the Government's resolve to ensure that the gains of literacy translate into lifelong learning, digital literacy, vocational skills, financial awareness, social empowerment and greater participation in the development process. The Government of Jammu & Kashmir remains committed to strengthening the education ecosystem and ensuring that no learner is left behind.
The combined progress achieved through ULLAS and the continued expansion of educational infrastructure under Samagra Shiksha reflects the Government's vision of building an inclusive, equitable, accessible, technology-enabled and future-ready education system in Jammu & Kashmir.
The event was graced by Ms. Sakeena Masood Itoo Hon’ble Minister for School Education Higher and Medical Education, Health and Social Welfare and Bhawani Rakwal IAS Director SAMAGRA Shiksha JK, Naseem Javaid Choudhary JKAS Director School Education Jammu, Naseer Ahmad Wani JKAS Director School Education Kashmir besides Joint Directors, CEOs, DIET Principals, and other Educators.
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