Despite being India’s most literate state, Kerala still requires 92,000 more people to become literate to reach full literacy, according to a study conducted as part of the third phase of the ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – New India Literacy Program. The central and state governments are jointly implementing this initiative to eradicate illiteracy across the country.

According to central government estimates, Kerala’s current literacy rate is 96.2%. Since a state is considered fully literate when literacy surpasses 95%, efforts are now being intensified to educate the remaining population.

Statewide literacy efforts underway

The ULLAS program was launched nationally in 2022 and implemented in Kerala in 2023, led by the Literacy Mission. In the first two phases, 58,428 individuals attained literacy.

As per the latest findings, 72,680 people in Kerala are still illiterate, of whom 19,320 are men. Among them, 13,800 belong to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category, 4,600 to the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category, and 28,520 are from minority communities.

To address this, literacy programs have been launched across multiple districts:

  • 8,000 learners each in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kannur
  • 7,000 in Thrissur and Kozhikode
  • 6,000 in Idukki, Ernakulam, Wayanad, and Kasaragod
  • 3,000 in Kottayam and Pathanamthitta

Holistic learning approach

The literacy initiative goes beyond basic reading and writing skills. The curriculum includes numeracy, life skills, career development, and continuing education. Classes will be conducted in both online and offline modes, ensuring flexibility for learners.

The teaching model follows a 1:10 ratio, with specially trained volunteer teachers guiding students from grades 8 to 10.

“15% of the learners belong to the Scheduled Caste category, 5% to the Scheduled Tribe category, 31% to the Minority category, and 49% to other social groups,” said Prof. A.G. Oleena, Director of the Literacy Mission.

With these structured efforts, Kerala is aiming to close the literacy gap and solidify its status as India’s first fully literate state.