Villages step up for literacy push

In a bid to tackle illiteracy among adults, the Karnataka government has identified two gram panchayats in Chamarajanagar district-Ajjipura and Nagavalli-for a focused literacy drive. The initiative, part of the National Literacy Mission, seeks to provide basic reading and writing skills to adults who have missed formal education opportunities.

According to officials, around 2,500 non-literate adults have been mapped in the two panchayats. Special evening and night classes will be conducted five days a week, allowing participants to attend without disturbing their daily work schedules. Volunteers, including retired teachers and educated youth, will lead the sessions with support from local education officers.

The programme emphasizes functional literacy, equipping adults with practical skills such as reading signboards, managing bank transactions, and understanding digital tools. Women, particularly from marginalized communities, are being encouraged to join, as literacy can empower them in household management and decision-making.