Jammu and Kashmir has achieved the distinction of becoming a “Fully Literate Union Territory”, recording a literacy rate of 98.43 per cent under the ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (NBSK), Education Minister Sakina Itoo announced on Thursday.In a message marking the achievement, Itoo described it as a “historic milestone” and a moment of immense pride for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Jammu & Kashmir has achieved the noble distinction of becoming a Fully Literate Union Territory, recording an outstanding literacy rate of 98.43% under the ULLAS–NBSK,” the minister said.
ULLAS, or the Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society, is the popular name associated with the Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, the Centre’s adult literacy programme aimed at improving literacy and continuing education among people aged 15 years and above.
Itoo credited teachers, officers, volunteers and learners across Jammu and Kashmir for contributing to the achievement and taking education into communities.
“From the mountains of Kashmir to the plains of Jammu, our teachers, officers, volunteers, and learners carried the torch of education into every community,” she said.
The minister said the achievement belonged to every teacher who taught, every volunteer who served, every officer who guided and, above all, every learner who chose to learn.
Itoo also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his “visionary leadership, constant guidance, and unwavering commitment” towards strengthening education and empowering the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
She, however, stressed that the achievement should not be viewed as the end of the education journey, but as the beginning of a new chapter.
“This is not the end of our journey. It is the beginning of a new chapter,” Itoo said, adding that education would continue to guide Jammu and Kashmir towards peace, progress, dignity, equality and prosperity.
Calling the achievement a collective victory, the minister said it would serve as a legacy for generations to come