As power Census 2011, literacy rate of India is 74.04% wherein rate of male literacy is 82.14% and female literacy rate is 65.46%. Government approved a new scheme known as New India Literacy Programme of Adult Education for the period of Financial Year 2022- 2027. As a progressive step, the present government has decided that the term "Adult Education" be replaced with "Education For All".
The objectives of the scheme are to impart foundational literacy and numeracy along with the other components which are necessary for a citizen of the 21 century. The scheme will be implemented through online mode and with volunteerism. As per Census 2011, the absolute number of non-literates of the country at the age of 15 years and above age group is 25.76 crore wherein females are 16.68 crore.
This scheme will cover non-literates of the age of 15 years and above in all State/UTs in the country. The target for Foundational Literacy and Numeracy for Financial Years 2022-27 is @1.00 crore per year by using "Online Teaching Learning and Assessment System" in collaboration with NIC, NCERT and NIOS through registration with Adhar and mobile number.
In this scheme, priority will be given to the girls and women, SC/ST/OBC/Minorities, Persons with Special Needs (Divyangjans), Marginalized/ Nomadic/Construction workers/laborer etc., those who can substantially and immediatly benefit from adult education. Area wise focus shall be on all aspirational districts of NITI Aayog, districts awith literacy rate less than the National/State average, districts with female literacy rates less than 60%, as per the 2011 Census will be Unit for Implementation of the scheme ansd for conducting survey of beneficiaries and Voluntary Teachers.
The estimated total outlay of "New India Litracy Programme" is Rs. 1037.90 crore which includes Central share of Rs. 700 crore and rest of the amount will be shared by the states for the financial years 2022-27.
As per the 2011 census, the absolute number of male non-literates of the country at the age of 15 years and above is