‘10,86,589 people above 15 yrs of age in Himachal still illiterate’

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By: ML Verma

Shimla: Gyan Vigyan Kendra, an NGO, has alleged that about 10,86589 people above the age group of 15 years in Himachal are still illiterate, and therefore should be covered under the new literacy programme.

Addressing media persons here today, Gyan Vigyan Kendra director Om Prakash Bhuraita said that Himachal Pradesh government would start ‘Saakshar Bharat Mission 2012’ under the State Literacy Mission Authority (SLMA) from July 1 in Chamba district. He said that only Chamba district has been selected for this mission by the Union government whereas illiterately is still widespread in the whole state. According to government of India guidelines, only 365 districts in the country having less than 50 per cent of women literacy rate would be covered under ‘Saakshar Bharat Mission 2012’ as it has been designed to achieve 96.4 per cent literacy by the end of 11th Five Year plan. Bhuraita said that the state resource centre of Gyan Vigan Kendra would provide material support to SLMA to begin ‘Saakshar Bharat Mission 2012’ programme in Chamba district.

Demanding state-level programme to literate left-out 10,86589 people, Satyabhan Pundir, general secretary of Himachal Gyan Vigyan Samiiti(HGVS) said that Himachal Pradesh government should start separate programme using its resources to achieve the 96.4 percent literacy rate target.

He said that currently Himachal Pradesh has 82.2 per cent literacy rate, and the state would need separate programme to achieve the national target of 96.4 per cent. He said that about seven lakh people in age group of 15 to 45 years are still illiterate and should be covered under any programme to keep at par with national targets.

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ML Verma is a Senior journalist, with more than a decade of experience of active reporting for electronic media, news agencies and fast paced online media.

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