Union Education Ministry Observes Nationwide 'Literacy Fortnight' and Holds ULLAS Mela in New Delhi

The Union Ministry of Education is observing a two-week nationwide 'Literacy Fortnight' from September 1 to 14, 2026, under the aegis of the Department of School Education & Literacy. Organized as part of the International Literacy Day celebrations, the campaign aims to accelerate adult literacy and lifelong learning across 29 States and Union Territories through the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. Inaugurating the national function and the associated 'ULLAS Mela' at National Bal Bhawan in New Delhi, Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary stated that literacy must be reimagined as a tool for active citizenship, personal dignity, and economic empowerment. He stressed that foundational literacy should expand beyond reading and writing to include digital literacy, financial awareness, and critical thinking necessary in a rapidly evolving economy. The ULLAS scheme relies heavily on community participation and volunteerism ('Kartavyabodh') to identify neo-literates and provide them with functional education. During the fortnight, schools, gram panchayats, and local institutions across India are conducting awareness rallies, registration drives, and skill workshops. Officials noted that institutional efforts under the initiative have already helped several states achieve historic benchmarks in literacy coverage, paving the way towards full literacy nationwide.

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