Push for total literacy: Chandigarh assigns adult learner to each teacher

Chandigarh: In a bid to make Chandigarh fully literate, the education department has made it mandatory for every govt school teacher to adopt at least one non-literate adult and help them pass a basic literacy test. The move is part of a larger plan to achieve 100% adult literacy by 2026.
So far, around 7,700 non-literate adults have been identified across the city. The administration plans to hold their literacy exam in Sep 2025. From the 2025-26 academic session, all principals, heads, and teachers in govt schools will be expected to train at least one adult in reading, writing, and numeracy.
Teachers will receive two marks toward the annual state teacher award for each adult they teach, and three more if the person passes the foundational literacy and numeracy assessment test. They are free to teach more adults, with a maximum of 10 marks awarded under this initiative.
Director, school education, Harsuhinderpal Singh Brar said, "We've already established Samajik Chetna Kendras in 47 schools to facilitate adult education. More schools are in the process of setting these up. Our goal is not just to meet numbers but to ensure that adult learners gain meaningful skills that improve their daily lives."
The literacy push is being carried out under the Centre's ULLAS scheme (Understanding of lifelong learning for all in society), launched in 2022. It aims to equip adults not just with basic literacy but also skills in digital and financial literacy, health and civic awareness, and vocational and cultural learning.
Digital learning material will be made available through the ULLAS mobile app and DIKSHA platform, while physical classes will be held in schools, Samajik Chetna Kendras, and community centres. Volunteers such as students, NSS/NCC members, and local workers will support the campaign by identifying learners and spreading awareness, but the core responsibility remains with teachers. The education department says that the programme aligns with national education goals and hopes to make Chandigarh a model for adult literacy in India.
Around 7,700 adults to take test
As part of efforts to attain 100% literacy, every govt school teacher in Chandigarh will teach at least one non-literate adult. Around 7,700 adults have been identified so far to appear for the foundational literacy and numeracy assessment test (FLNAT), scheduled for Sep 2025. Teachers can earn up to 10 marks toward the state teacher award for their participation. To support the programme, 47 schools have already opened Samajik Chetna Kendras where literacy sessions will be conducted.