Tribal Languages to Take Centre Stage in Odisha’s KBK Literacy Campaign

Bhubaneswar: Odisha will place greater emphasis on local and tribal languages while implementing the New India Literacy Programme (NILP) this year, with a special focus on improving adult literacy in the rural and tribal areas of the KBK region.
Director of Elementary Education Balamukunda Bhuyan said tribal languages such as Bonda, Gondia, Saura and Hui would be integrated into the literacy programme to make learning easier and more effective for adults in remote communities.

Bhuyan made the announcement while launching the NILP–ULLAS programme. The initiative is being carried out under ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society), the Centre’s flagship adult education programme for people aged 15 years and above.
According to officials, Odisha has identified around 91.50 lakh non-literate people, based on the 2011 Census. More than 15 lakh learners have already achieved literacy through ULLAS, while nearly 25 lakh learners are expected to take the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) this year.
The campaign will receive special attention across the seven KBK districts—Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Gajapati, Kalahandi and Nuapada.
Bhuyan also highlighted the importance of active community participation, saying cooperation from local communities would be essential for Odisha to achieve its goal of becoming fully literate.