Question

Which central government project for the eradication of illiteracy was implemented by KSLMA?

• A. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan
• B. Padna Likhna Abhiyan (PLA)
• C. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
• D. Make in India

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Padna Likhna Abhiyan (PLA)

Padna Likhna Abhiyan (PLA)

• The Padna Likhna Abhiyan (PLA) was a centrally sponsored scheme launched by the Ministry of Education (formerly Ministry of Human Resource Development - MHRD), Government of India.
• It was officially launched in September 2020.
• The primary objective of PLA was to eradicate illiteracy in India, focusing on non-literates aged 15 years and above in both rural and urban areas.
• It aimed to impart foundational literacy and numeracy skills to around 4.91 crore non-literates across the country.
• The scheme emphasized reaching the most vulnerable groups, including women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), minorities, and other disadvantaged sections.
• PLA concluded in March 2022 and was succeeded by the 'New India Literacy Programme' (NILP), also known as 'Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram', for the period FY 2022-27.

Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA)

• The Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA) is an autonomous institution established by the Government of Kerala under the Department of General Education.
• It was formed in 1998, following the successful completion of the Total Literacy Campaign in Kerala.
• KSLMA is responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring literacy and continuing education programmes across the state of Kerala.
• It plays a crucial role in maintaining Kerala's high literacy rates and has been instrumental in numerous post-literacy and continuing education initiatives.
• KSLMA was the implementing agency for the Padna Likhna Abhiyan (PLA) in Kerala, tailoring the central scheme to the state's specific needs and existing literacy infrastructure.

Historical Context and Kerala's Model

• India has a long history of national literacy missions. The National Literacy Mission (NLM) was launched in 1988, which led to the Total Literacy Campaigns (TLCs) across the country.
• The Saakshar Bharat Abhiyan was the successor program to NLM, launched in 2009, with a specific focus on female literacy and reaching out to 70 million adult non-literates. PLA was a direct continuation and expansion of these efforts.
• Kerala is renowned for its achievements in literacy. Ernakulam district in Kerala became the first district in India to achieve total literacy in 1990, setting a precedent for other states.
• Kerala's 'literacy movement' or 'Kerala Model of Development' is often cited as an example of successful social development, with education and literacy as foundational pillars.
• The state's robust public education system and committed literacy mission have contributed significantly to its high Human Development Index (HDI) ranking.