As per the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020, the Government of India launched a centrally sponsored scheme called New India Literacy Program, popularly known as ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) for a period of five years, from 2022- 2027. The primary objective of the scheme is to empower all adults aged 15 years and above, who have not had the opportunity to educate themselves, and to enable them to contribute to the growth of the country. It not only allows the learners to acquire reading, writing and numeracy skills, but also to enrich them with an understanding of critical life skills while encouraging lifelong learning. The scheme is being implemented through volunteerism, promoting social responsibility and a sense of duty or Kartavyabodh. Furthermore, the learners are encouraged to access the content in regional languages on Education for All Vertical on DIKSHA Portal as well as through the ULLAS mobile app.

ULLAS continues to act as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to education and personal growth. The curriculum, therefore, is designed keeping in mind the socio-cultural-economic context of the learners, which allows for greater affinity and pride amongst them. ULLAS also incorporates experiential learning in its teaching methods for volunteer teachers, making the entire process more engaging and meaningful, simultaneously providing practical value to learning. Along with this, the scheme acknowledges the efforts of the learners as well as the volunteer teachers through certificates which indubitably boost their confidence and motivate them to keep moving forward in life.

This scheme is much more than a literacy program; It is a movement, a drive towards a bright future and empowered citizens. It believes that literacy is a fundamental human right and strives to make this right accessible to all. The learners who embark on this journey not only learn to read and write but are also able to make a significant difference in their lives, their livelihoods and their communities. Each word read, every number calculated and every thought understood brings them one step closer to their dreams and shall continue to do it in the future as well.