Question

Which of the following statements about the focus areas of the Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (K.S.L.M.A) are correct?

1. K.S.L.M.A. primarily focuses on achieving only alphabet and numerical literacy across the state.
2. Beyond basic literacy, K.S.L.M.A. also aims to spread awareness on social security and environmental issues.
3. The K.S.L.M.A. initiatives include programmes for legal awareness and gender equality.

• A. 2
• B. 3 മാത്രം
• C. 1, 2
• D. 2, 3

Answer 1

Answer:

D. 2, 3

Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (K.S.L.M.A)

• KSLMA is an autonomous institution under the Local Self Government Department (LSGD), Government of Kerala.

• It was established in 1998 to sustain and enhance the literacy achievements following the Kerala Total Literacy Campaign of 1991.

• KSLMA's mandate extends far beyond basic alphabet and numerical literacy; it focuses on functional literacy, enabling individuals to use their reading, writing, and arithmetic skills in daily life.

• Beyond basic literacy, KSLMA actively promotes awareness on crucial social issues to foster a well-informed citizenry.

• Its programs include spreading awareness on social security measures, ensuring citizens understand government welfare schemes and pensions.

• KSLMA also educates people on environmental issues, promoting sustainable practices and ecological conservation.

• The mission undertakes various initiatives for social empowerment and citizen awareness, including programmes for legal awareness.

• These legal awareness programs aim to educate citizens about their fundamental rights, legal aid, and various laws relevant to their lives.

• Significantly, KSLMA also implements programs dedicated to promoting gender equality and combating social discrimination.

• This includes raising awareness about women's rights and gender justice, aligning with the broader goals of human development.

Key Initiatives for Competitive Exams:

• Aksharalaksham (അക്ഷരലക്ഷം): A flagship program launched in 2018, aimed at eradicating illiteracy among marginalized groups, including tribal communities and coastal populations.

• Samagra (സമഗ്ര): A comprehensive program for continuing education and lifelong learning for neo-literates, ensuring sustained learning.

• 'Sreshta Bala Bhasha' (ശ്രേഷ്ഠ ബാലഭാഷ): A special initiative designed to teach Malayalam to tribal children, facilitating their integration into mainstream education.

• Malarwadi (മലർവാടി): A program specifically targeted at providing literacy education to migrant labourers in Kerala.

• Gothra Sarathikal (ഗോത്ര സാരഥികൾ): Focuses on enhancing literacy rates within tribal communities, often involving community-specific approaches.

• KSLMA plays a crucial role in upholding the 'Kerala Model of Development', which prioritizes human development indicators such as education, health, and social equity over mere economic growth.