Over 10 Lakh Illiterate People In Pune District, Ambitious Plan Unveiled For 100% Literacy
Pune, 23rd July 2023: The Maharashtra State Directorate of Education (Planning) has unveiled a district-wise list of illiterates, revealing that more than 1.63 crore people in Maharashtra, including over ten lakhs in Pune district alone, lack basic literacy. As India strides towards becoming a global superpower with advancements like artificial intelligence, this glaring issue demands immediate attention.
In a determined effort to eradicate illiteracy by 2027, the state plans to appoint one volunteer for every ten illiterate individuals. College students, Anganwadi workers, NCC cadets, and Nehru Yuva Kendra youth (minimum 8th pass) will be encouraged to contribute as volunteers.
Currently, Maharashtra counts approximately 1.63 crore illiterates, and key districts like Nashik, Solapur, Ahmednagar, Palghar, Jalgaon, Mumbai, Nanded, and Thane collectively account for a staggering 73.61 lakh illiterate citizens.
To address the unique challenge posed by tech-savvy illiterates, online education will be provided via mobile phones, focusing initially on those aged 15 to 35 years. Priority will be given to women, girls, Scheduled Castes, OBCs, minorities, construction workers, and laborers.
Volunteers will offer their time to teach illiterates one hour before and after the closing of Zilla Parishad schools, ensuring access to education for those who need it most. The ‘Aaple Sarkar’ Seva Kendras will host free classes for the determined mission of spreading literacy across the state.
To monitor progress, the Maharashtra State Open School Board in Pune will conduct two tests annually for illiterates, enabling successful candidates to advance to the fifth, eighth, tenth, and twelfth-grade exams. This ambitious initiative embodies the state’s commitment to uplifting millions from the clutches of illiteracy and empowering them with knowledge and opportunities for a brighter future.
