Question

The 'Navachethana' special literacy programme is specifically designed for the educational development of which group?

• A. Tribal communities
• B. Migrant labourers
• C. Scheduled Caste individuals
• D. Transgender individuals

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Scheduled Caste individuals

Navachethana Special Literacy Programme: Empowering Scheduled Castes

• The 'Navachethana' special literacy programme is a targeted initiative aimed at enhancing the educational development and literacy levels of Scheduled Caste (SC) individuals.
• This program is designed to bridge the existing educational gap and promote social inclusion among one of the most marginalized sections of society.
• It underscores the commitment to inclusive growth and equity, aligning with the principles of the 'Kerala Model' of development, which prioritizes human development indicators.

• Background & Context:

  • Despite Kerala's high overall literacy rate, disparities often persist among specific demographic groups, including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
  • Special programs like 'Navachethana' are crucial to address these pockets of lower literacy and ensure that the benefits of education reach all sections of society.
  • The program aims not just at basic literacy but also at functional literacy, enabling participants to engage more effectively in socio-economic activities.

• Relevance to Competitive Exams:

  • Understanding the target beneficiaries of such government schemes is vital for competitive exams. 'Navachethana' specifically focusing on Scheduled Castes is a key point.
  • Such programs fall under the broader categories of social welfare schemes, educational initiatives, and inclusive development.
  • Knowledge of these programs reflects an understanding of governmental efforts towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
  • Similar initiatives include the National Literacy Mission (NLM) and its successor, Saakshar Bharat Abhiyan, which also aimed at adult literacy, with a special focus on women and disadvantaged groups.
  • The Constitution of India provides for various safeguards and provisions for the upliftment of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (e.g., Article 46, Article 335). Educational programs like 'Navachethana' are concrete steps in fulfilling these constitutional mandates.
• The success of 'Navachethana' contributes significantly to the overall goal of achieving 100% literacy and empowering vulnerable communities for their holistic development.