News

Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-09-11 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire CA, Quick Facts For Prelims, Government Policies & Interventions ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-09-11 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire CA, Quick Facts For Prelims, Government Policies & Interventions ///

News · GS Paper 2

International Literacy Day 2026 and ULLAS Mela

International Literacy Day 2026, observed on 8th September with the theme 'Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity,' concluded with the ULLAS Mela in New Delhi. The event showcased India's ULLAS (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (2022-27) providing foundational literacy and numeracy to non-literate adults aged 15 years and above. Globally, 739 million youth and adults still lack basic literacy skills, underscoring the significance of such initiatives.

2026-09-11

Published

—

Source

Quiz Questions

Article

International Literacy Day 2026

International Literacy Day (ILD) 2026 celebrations concluded with the ULLAS Mela in New Delhi, which served as a platform for learners, volunteer teachers, and States/UTs to share experiences and best practices in strengthening India's literacy movement.

About International Literacy Day (ILD)

Observed annually on 8th September since 1967.
Proclaimed by UNESCO in 1966 during the 14th session of the UNESCO General Conference.
Purpose: To highlight the importance of literacy in building inclusive, peaceful and sustainable societies.

ILD 2026 Theme

Theme: "Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity."
Highlights the role of literacy in promoting inclusion, sustainable futures and opportunities for development.

Global Literacy Challenges

Around 739 million youth and adults worldwide lacked basic literacy skills in 2024.
272 million children and adolescents were out of school in 2023.

About ULLAS (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram)

ULLAS stands for Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society.
Also known as the Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme).
A Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) implemented by the Ministry of Education.
Implementation period: 2022-23 to 2026-27 (five years).
Objectives:
Provide foundational literacy and numeracy to non-literate adults aged 15 years and above.
Promote lifelong learning and create a literate society.

Significance for India

Adult literacy is crucial for achieving SDG 4 (Quality Education), particularly target 4.6 which aims to ensure all youth and adults achieve literacy and numeracy.
The ULLAS Mela encourages cooperative federalism by involving States/UTs in sharing best practices.
Volunteer-driven teaching models strengthen community participation in governance and education.
Aligns with NEP 2020's vision of lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Related Constitutional Provisions

Article 21A: Right to free and compulsory education for children aged 6-14 years (fundamental right).
Article 45: State shall provide early childhood care and education for children below six years.
Article 51A(k): Fundamental duty of parents/guardians to provide opportunities for education to children aged 6-14 years.
Education is in the Concurrent List (42nd Amendment Act, 1976), allowing both Centre and States to legislate on it.