Chandigarh poised to become 1st fully literate UT

In a historic step towards eradicating illiteracy, Chandigarh is on the verge of becoming the first Union Territory in India to achieve total literacy.

Under the Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, the city conducted its largest-ever adult literacy drive, culminating on Sunday with the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT). As many as 15,350 adult learners appeared for the test at 111 Samajik Chetna Kendras set up in government schools.

The initiative marks Chandigarh’s giant leap toward crossing the 95% literacy threshold, the benchmark required to be declared a “Fully Literate UT.” According to the latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24 survey, Chandigarh already stands at 93.7% literacy (96.4% male, 90.7% female), and with Sunday’s certification drive, the city is now poised to etch its name in national history.

Exam that made history

From homemakers and daily wagers to senior citizens, learners from across the city participated in the FLNAT exam, during which they took a test in reading, writing, numeracy, currency handling and digital literacy skills. The atmosphere in schools turned festive, with teachers and nodal in-charges serving tea, “samosas”, “chana puri”, biscuits and bread “pakoras” to learners. At the GMSSS, Manimajra Housing Complex, each learner received a gift pack containing 1 kg of black chana as a motivational gesture. A total of 5,157 teachers and 150 nodal in-charges took part in the campaign, adopting adult learners, holding sessions beyond classroom hours and turning schools into vibrant literacy hubs.

A people’s movement

“This literacy mission represents the largest-ever initiative of its kind in Chandigarh’s history. It is a shining example of how government, teachers and citizens can work hand-in-hand to achieve a shared vision of a literate and empowered society,” said Gulab Chand Kataria, Punjab Governor-cum-UT Administrator.

Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma said: “Chandigarh has combined administrative efficiency with community participation to reach every learner. The commitment of our nodal teams and teachers has ensured that this programme becomes a true people’s movement.”

Highlighting the innovative approach, Education Secretary Prerna Puri remarked: “We have embraced flexible schedules, localised content and technology integration to make learning inclusive and effective. Today’s FLNAT is a testament to our collective determination.”

The Director, School Education, Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar, noted that the campaign had transformed from a government programme into a mass movement powered by teachers, volunteers, NSS/NCC cadets and school students.

Innovative & inclusive approach

Door-to-door survey (Dec 2024): Identified 7,731 non-literate adults, later scaled up to 15,350.

Samajik Chetna Kendras: 111 centres in government schools turned into literacy hubs.

Blended Learning: ULLAS Mobile App DIKSHA platform for self-paced digital learning.

Flexible classes: Evening and weekend sessions for working adults and homemakers.

Localised content: SCERT Chandigarh contextualised NCERT primers for practical use.

Incentives: Teachers given weightage for State Teacher Awards.

What’s Next to sustain the momentum

The Education Department has pledged to sustain the momentum until every single adult in Chandigarh is functionally literate. More awareness drives, peer mentoring programmes and technology-led innovations are planned to consolidate gains and make Chandigarh a national model for inclusive and lifelong learning. With Sunday’s FLNAT, Chandigarh has not just moved closer to 100% literacy — it has demonstrated how literacy can be turned into a people’s celebration.

Big Literacy Leap

Total adult learners appeared: 15,350

Assessment centres: 111 Samajik Chetna Kendras

Teachers Involved: 5,157

Nodal in-charges: 150

Current Literacy Rate (PLFS 2023-24): 93.7% overall (96.4% male, 90.7% female)

Target: 95% crossed, to be declared fully literate UT in 2025