‘Spectrum of Literacy’ Highlights NEP 2020 and Multilingualism

New Delhi: Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, chaired an international conference titled “Spectrum of Literacy” at the CIET, NCERT, New Delhi on Saturday. Organized by the Ministry of Education as a prelude to International Literacy Day 2024, the event emphasized key aspects of literacy in the context of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

ULLAS framework and reducing literacy gaps

Kumar highlighted the importance of literacy extending beyond foundational skills to include critical life skills such as digital, financial, and legal literacy. The ULLAS framework was introduced as a tool to reduce literacy gaps between urban and rural populations and between men and women. Literacy, according to Kumar, must be a transformative force for societal change.

NEP 2020 and multilingualism in education

Kumar underscored that one of the central tenets of NEP 2020 is multilingualism, noting that children learn best in their mother tongues. He also stressed the importance of improving female literacy to increase women’s representation in the workforce.

ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram for adult literacy

Archana Sharma Awasthi, Joint Secretary of DoSEL, delivered the inaugural address, presenting the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. This initiative aims to foster adult literacy nationwide and bridge existing educational divides.

National and global perspectives on literacy

The conference featured two key sessions. The first, chaired by Amarendra P Behera, explored the diverse spectrum of literacy within India, with speakers including Kesang Sherpa of the NCTE and MKS Sundaram of Uttar Pradesh’s Basic Education Department. The second session, chaired by TG Sitharam of AICTE, brought an international perspective, with global experts discussing the impact of technology and adult literacy challenges worldwide.

Call to action for a literate and inclusive world

The conference concluded with a summary of steps forward, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and partnerships to create a literate, inclusive world, as encapsulated in the theme “Spectrum of Literacy”.