Goa joins elite club of fully literate states, achieving 99.7% literacy

Goa has been declared fully literate on May 30 by the Union government under the Ullas: New India Literacy Programme.

With this recognition, Goa became one of only four states in the country to achieve this status.

According to officials, 82 panchayats reported 100% literacy, while 33 panchayats achieved between 95% and 99%. One municipality confirmed a literacy rate of 99%.

Among the remaining 76 panchayats and 13 municipalities, including a municipal corporation, 6,299 illiterate individuals were identified.

Out of these, 2,136 people expressed interest in learning and completed the required education, while 4,164 were unable to participate due to reasons such as age or medical issues.

“Under the Ullas scheme, it is the first time that the government of India has defined literacy and the criteria to declare full literacy of any state and UT. Goa has now met those criteria and is proud to announce itself as fully literate,” said Archana Sharma Awasthi, joint secretary in the department of school education and literacy.

She called the achievement an inspiration for the rest of the country and said the initiative offers hope to those aged 15 and above who missed out on formal education.

“This scheme, launched in April 2022, provides them with the chance to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to society,” she added.

Awasthi also noted the thorough efforts made in the state to reach even the smallest villages during the literacy drive.

“According to the PLFS report, which is an NSSO report for 2023-2024, Goa’s literacy rate is 93.6%, which is among the highest in the country, with both male and female populations scoring well. However, as per their own survey, Goa has now achieved much more than that and has crossed 99%,” she said.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant welcomed the announcement and highlighted its broader impact.

“This will help the state increase its happiness index. The government is working to increase the happiness index,” he said.

The state government also stated that the education department will continue efforts for those still willing to learn.

Sawant shared that even individuals as old as 80 took part in the learning program and passed the exam.

He added that the next target for the state is to achieve 100% TB-free status.