'Saakshar Bharat' being launched in Odisha

Berhampur (Odisha), Apr 10: A total 16 districts in Odisha, including Ganjam are being be brought under 'Saakshar Bharat', a programme to promote adult education in the second phase.

Official sources today said the other districts where the mission would be launched are Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Nuapada, Rayagada, Koraput, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Boudh, Mayurbhanj, Sonepur, Keonjhar, Deogarh, Bargarh, Sambalpur and Angul.

The central programme was launched in Bolangir, Kalahandi and Sundargarh, in the first phase. In Ganjam the programme has been launched at Kalipalli, district education officer Sanatan Panda said.

"Door-to-door survey is being carried out in all villages by school teachers, retired teachers, Anganwadi workers and volunteers to identify non and neo literate people above the age of 15," he said.

The district has received Rs 14 lakh for the survey work, he said adding the beneficiaries will be brought to the literacy centre set up in each panchayat in the next phase. Volunteers from villages clubs and members of SHGs will teach them.

The focus is on female literacy and SC/ST and minorities, he said adding two preraks at each panchayat and one at the block level will coordinate the programme. "The process of recruiting the coordinators is on. They will get remuneration of Rs 2,000 to 6,000 a month," he added.

PTI