Udupi: The preliminary process to declare Udupi as Karnataka’s first fully literate district has commenced, with officials finalising the required documentation for submission to the state government. The district, which has achieved a literacy rate of 95 per cent, is expected to receive official recognition as a fully literate district by the end of February.

Authorities said that over the past three years, sustained literacy drives have led to the emergence of 6,158 neo-literates across the district, significantly boosting the literacy rate.

Literacy drives under multiple schemes

The milestone has been achieved through coordinated efforts under various state and district-level initiatives. Under the state government’s Thousand Gram Panchayat Literacy Scheme, 15 gram panchayats in Udupi district were selected for intensive literacy intervention. Illiterate individuals in these panchayats were provided structured training, and examinations under the programme have been completed.

Similarly, under the Zilla Panchayat’s Link Document Programme, four gram panchayats in Byndoor taluk were selected. Literacy training was imparted to identified illiterate persons, followed by examinations to assess learning outcomes.

In addition, the Neo-Literacy Programme played a key role in covering remaining beneficiaries. Over the last three years, 3,937 individuals were made literate under the Thousand Gram Panchayat Literacy Programme, 46 under the Zilla Panchayat Link Document Programme, and 2,083 under the Neo-Literacy Programme.

Structured learning and evaluation

Each identified learner underwent 200 hours of instruction spread over three months. Following the training period, a 150-mark examination was conducted, with 50 marks each allotted for reading, writing and learning competencies.

Officials said all those who underwent training have successfully completed the programme and are now recognised as neo-literates. Certificates have been issued to each of them, and the qualification is considered equivalent to passing Class 7.

Udupi district adult education officer Yog Narasimha Swami K. M. confirmed that appreciation letters have also been distributed to trainers who played a crucial role in imparting literacy to adult learners across the district.

Documentation process under way

While Udupi has crossed the 95 per cent literacy benchmark required for recognition as a fully literate district, officials clarified that a formal declaration cannot be made directly. A structured verification and documentation process must be followed.

The adult education department is currently collecting confirmation certificates from the concerned gram panchayats and their Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs). Without certification from the gram panchayat or PDO, the declaration process cannot proceed.

These confirmation certificates will be submitted to the taluk panchayat executive officers (EOs) through the block education officers. The EOs will verify the records and forward them to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Zilla Panchayat. After scrutiny at the district level, the proposal will be submitted to the state government for final approval.

The formal declaration of Udupi as a fully literate district will be made either by the state government or at the level of the Zilla Panchayat CEO, in accordance with established rules.

A significant milestone

Officials stated that the remaining 5 per cent literacy gap is expected to be bridged in the coming days, further strengthening the district’s claim. Districts that achieve 95 per cent literacy are eligible to be declared fully literate under prevailing guidelines.

Educationists and local leaders have welcomed the development, describing it as a major milestone in Udupi’s social progress. They noted that adult literacy not only empowers individuals but also enhances overall community development, improving access to welfare schemes, employment opportunities and civic participation.

If formally declared, Udupi will set a precedent for other districts in Karnataka to intensify adult education initiatives and strive towards complete literacy.

With documentation nearing completion and verification under way at multiple administrative levels, officials expressed confidence that the declaration process will conclude shortly. The anticipated recognition is expected to mark a proud moment for the district and a significant achievement in Karnataka’s literacy movement.