Srinagar, July 21: Jammu and Kashmir has achieved a literacy rate of 82% for individuals aged seven and above, surpassing the national average of 80.9%, according to the 2023–24 Annual Report of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) presented in Parliament.
Responding to a question by MP Janardan Singh Sigriwal, the Ministry of Education said that while J&K’s figure reflects notable progress, there remains a need for targeted efforts in adult and rural education.
The Centre is addressing literacy gaps through the ULLAS: Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (2022–2027), aimed at adults aged 15+ who missed formal schooling. The initiative aligns with NEP 2020 and the UN’s SDG 4.6, striving for universal literacy by 2030.
Full literacy—defined as the ability to read, write, and do basic arithmetic with understanding—requires a 95% literacy rate. So far, Ladakh, Mizoram, Goa, and Tripura have met this benchmark under the ULLAS programme.
