CHENNAI: For their outstanding performance in ensuring that uneducated persons, especially the elderly, pursue basic literacy under the New India Literacy Programme, School Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi presented the State Literacy Award to persons from 358 centres across Tamil Nadu here on Tuesday.
The award was presented to school heads, Chief Education Officers (CEOs), volunteers, and other stakeholders for their efforts in conducting classes for candidates under the programme and subsequently encouraging them to take the exam.
Addressing the audience, the minister said, “When an elderly woman in Tiruchy questioned me about the reason to learn at an old-age, I told her the importance of signing a document instead of opting for a thumb impression. Additionally, she can also be aware of the events of the world if she learns to read.”
Over 15 lakh candidates have benefited between 2022-23 and 2024-25. During 2025-26, programme activities were implemented in two phases to identify the remaining non-literate population and provide them with opportunities to acquire basic literacy, numeracy, and life skills.
In the first phase, a basic literacy exam was conducted in June 2025 for 5.37 lakh non-literate learners. In the second phase, over 9.63 lakh non-literate learners were enrolled in 39,250 centres established in government and government-aided school premises.
With the support of volunteers, 200 hours of teaching and learning activities were carried out continuously from July 2025, and the basic literacy exam was completed in December.
Speaking to DT Next, S Suganya, director, Directorate of Non-formal and Adult Education said, “Through volunteering and in different capacities, stakeholders have played a significant role in encouraging candidates, especially elderly, to write and clear the exam. Currently, TN stands at 96% literacy rate. Evaluation of exams held in November are still underway.”