New Delhi: An interactive meeting with State Literacy Mission Authority and Zila Lok Shiksha Samities on implementation of Saakshar Bharat was inaugurated by Minister of State for Human Resource Development D. Purandeswari here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Purandeswari underlined the importance of "Saakshar Bharat" keeping in context the fact that India is among the countries with the largest number of illiterates. "Adult literacy will empower the beneficiaries towards better employment opportunities," she said.
She further added that literacy is the most significant element in empowerment of people with skills and knowledge and giving them access to productive employment. "At the local Government/ Panchayat level, with 33 per cent reservation for women, the importance of literacy among women as a means to empower them when they hold these electoral posts must also be appreciated," she stated.
Purandeswari said that an important point is how to bring convergence between the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan and The Saakshar Bharat. Adding that using common infrastructure can be looked at, she also sought the support of Gram Panchayats in the implementation of the programme especially with regard to proper listing of beneficiaries.
The goal of Saakshar Bharat Programme is to impart functional literacy and numeracy to non-literate and non-numerate adults in 15+ age group and enable them to continue their learning beyond basic literacy and acquire equivalency to formal education system.
The Saakshar Bharat flagship programme of the government of India is to provide an opportunity for literacy and further learning to people deprived of school education
The programme is an opportunity for formal education for excluded population, deprived sections of society and minorities, especially women.
The Saakshar Bharat programme is rolled out in 167 districts covering 19 states and additional 118 districts have been sanctioned this year.
The two plenary sessions in the conference were on "Towards Effective Convergence" (chaired by D. Purandeswari), and the second session on "Centrality of Literacy and Women to Development".