The Ministry of Education has introduced a new scheme 'New India Literacy Programme' to cover all the aspects of adult education. The Programme has been launched for the next 05 years and will be aligned with the new National Education Policy.

The Ministry has also taken the decision to use "Education For All" instead of "Adult Education" as they believe that the latter term did not represent all non-literates appropriately in 15 years and above age group.

The objectives of the scheme are to impart foundational numeracy and literacy and also to cover other components such as critical life skills including digital literacy, financial literacy, commercial skills, child care, education, and family welfare; health care and awareness; vocational skills development to obtain local employment; basic education as these are mandatory for a 21st-century citizen.

The Ministry will implement the scheme through online mode and through volunteerism. The Ministry may organize the training, workshops of volunteers, orientation through face-to-face mode.

All resources and material will be provided to registered volunteers digitally for easy access through digital modes such as radio, TV, cell phone-based free, open-source portals and apps.

The scheme aims to cover non-literates of the age of 15 years and above across all union territories and states.

The estimated total expenditure of the 'New India Literacy Programme' is Rs 1037.90 crore. This includes the state share of Rs 337.90 crore and the Central share of Rs 700 crore for 2022-27.