Question

What is the primary function of the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA)?

• A. To manage state finances and budgets.
• B. To implement literacy, continuing education, and lifelong learning programmes.
• C. To provide vocational training for unemployed youth.
• D. To regulate public transportation.

Answer 1

Answer:

B. To implement literacy, continuing education, and lifelong learning programmes.

Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA)

• The Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA) is an autonomous institution established in 1998.
• It functions under the General Education Department of the Government of Kerala.
• Its primary function is to plan, implement, and monitor various literacy, continuing education, and lifelong learning programmes across the state.
• KSLMA plays a crucial role in sustaining and enhancing Kerala's high literacy achievements, which led to Kerala being declared the first fully literate state in India in 1991.

• Key Initiatives and Programmes:

  • Aksharalaksham (അക്ഷരലക്ഷം): A prominent programme launched in 2018 aimed at achieving complete literacy among those aged 15-50 who missed out on basic education, striving for 100% literacy.
  • Equivalent Education Programmes: KSLMA conducts equivalence examinations for various levels, including:
    • Class 4 (Aksharasagaram)
    • Class 7 (Padana Bheri)
    • Class 10 (Saksharatha Prerak)
    • Higher Secondary (Keralam Kanan Padichu)
    • Graduate level
    These programmes enable adult learners to gain formal educational qualifications.
  • Special Literacy Programmes: It undertakes targeted literacy drives for specific vulnerable groups such as:
    • Tribal communities (e.g., Samagra Tribal Literacy Programme)
    • Coastal communities
    • Migrant labourers (e.g., Changathi programme for migrant workers, teaching them Malayalam)
  • Lifelong Learning: Beyond basic literacy, KSLMA promotes continuous learning, skill development, and awareness on various social issues.
  • Functional Literacy: The mission also focuses on practical knowledge and skills necessary for daily life, including environmental literacy, legal literacy, and health literacy.
• KSLMA's efforts are integral to the success and sustainability of the Kerala Model of Development, emphasizing human resource development and social welfare through education.