Accordingly, several programmes including a special adult literacy programme in the inspirational districts, the ‘Karkum Bharatham’ scheme, and the establishment of adult literacy centres, which were halted due to COVID-19 induced lockdown, will be implemented soon. A senior official from the non-formal and adult education wing said the duration of the literacy programme started last year is six months and basic literacy and numeracy have been taught to the learners.

“As per the plan, the upcoming programme will benefit more than 1.5 lakh illiterate adults in the age group of 15 and above, especially from southern districts”.

Stating that to enrol themselves, it was also planned to establish adult literacy centres, the official said more than 900 such centres will be set up even at the block level.

The official said the authorities concerned in the government and government-aided schools were asked to identify volunteers and NGOs, who will be participating in the literacy drive this year.

Pointing out that the government has allocated Rs 5.18 crore for the adult literacy programme this year, he said the scheme will also be implemented at the field level in coordination with the chief educational officers, district educational officers, block education officers, assistant program officers, block resources teachers and school headmasters of the district concerned.

Stating that the government will also implement a special adult literacy programme for the prisoners at a cost of Rs 15 lakh, the official said the scheme will be implemented in the central prisons of Tiruvallur, Cuddalore, Vellore, Salem, Tiruchy, Madurai, Tirunelveli and Coimbatore and the district prison of Pudukottai in coordination with the department of prison.

“Over 1,000 prisoners will be benefited from this scheme”, he said adding that a completion certificate will be issued to the successful learners.