The Uttar Pradesh Government’s efforts to expand access to education are showing encouraging results, with more than 11.68 lakh people becoming literate under the Nav Bharat Saksharta Abhiyan over the past four years.
Implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the programme is focused on helping individuals above the age of 15 who missed out on formal education. Beyond teaching basic reading and writing skills, the initiative aims to promote self-reliance, awareness and social empowerment among citizens.
Bringing Education to Every Section of Society
The Nav Bharat Saksharta Abhiyan is being implemented as part of a centrally sponsored literacy programme designed to identify and educate illiterate adults across the state.
Through the support of trained volunteers and master trainers, participants are taught reading, writing and numeracy skills. The programme also includes practical knowledge that helps learners navigate everyday life more effectively and participate more actively in social and economic activities.
Officials say the initiative is helping bridge educational gaps while creating opportunities for people to improve their quality of life through literacy.
More Than 11.68 Lakh Neo-Literates Since 2022
Since the launch of the campaign in 2022-23, over 11.68 lakh people have successfully completed literacy assessments and achieved literacy status.
According to official data, seven literacy assessment examinations have been conducted under the programme so far. A total of more than 13.81 lakh participants appeared in these assessments, out of which 11.68 lakh successfully met the required standards.
The growing participation reflects the expanding reach of the programme across both rural and urban areas of the state.
Volunteer-Led Learning Model
A key feature of the initiative is its community-driven approach. Volunteers identified under the programme receive training from master trainers before conducting literacy classes.
The classes are organised through both online and offline modes, making learning accessible to a wider section of society. This flexible approach has enabled the programme to reach learners from diverse backgrounds and geographical locations.
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Officials note that the objective extends beyond literacy alone. The programme seeks to empower individuals with knowledge and confidence, enabling them to become active participants in their communities and the economy.
Participation Continues to Grow
The programme has witnessed a steady increase in participation since its inception. While more than 1.46 lakh people appeared for the literacy assessment during 2022-23, the most recent examination conducted in 2025-26 recorded participation of over 4.01 lakh individuals.
The increasing numbers indicate growing awareness about the programme and a rising willingness among adults to pursue literacy and lifelong learning opportunities.
Plans for Expansion in 2026-27
Building on the progress achieved so far, the Uttar Pradesh Government is preparing to further expand the programme during 2026-27.
Districts across the state have been assigned targets to identify adults above the age of 15 who are still outside the literacy framework. Once identified, these individuals will be connected with trained volunteers and enrolled in literacy classes.
The government also plans to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and continue conducting literacy assessment examinations twice a year to evaluate learning outcomes and measure progress.
Supporting an Empowered Uttar Pradesh
The Nav Bharat Saksharta Abhiyan reflects the state’s broader vision of ensuring that education reaches every section of society, regardless of age or background.
By helping adults acquire basic literacy skills, the programme is contributing to greater awareness, improved opportunities and enhanced participation in social and economic life. Officials believe that continued expansion of the initiative will play an important role in building a more informed, self-reliant and empowered Uttar Pradesh in the years ahead.