International Literacy Day-2025: 8 September

Why in news ?

• International Literacy Day is celebrated every year on 8 September. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the right to education and the importance of literacy.

Key Points:

• Theme of International Literacy Day 2025- “Promoting literacy in the digital era.”
• The date of 8 September was declared International Literacy Day by UNESCO in the year 1966.
• This day was celebrated for the first time in the year 1967.

Efforts related to literacy in India:

• This day is celebrated on a large scale in India with the aim of promoting literacy in the society.
• India's Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Mid Day Meal, Adult Education are commendable steps in this direction.
• The "National Literacy Campaign" was started by the Government of India in the year 1988.
  • It aimed to eliminate illiteracy and provide adult education with functional literacy and lifelong learning.
• The National Education Policy 2020 includes recommendations on adult education and lifelong learning.
• The Government has approved the “New India Literacy Programme” for the period FY 2022-2027 to cover all aspects of adult education in line with the ‘National Education Policy 2020’ and the budget announcements of 2021-22.
• It aims to provide not only basic literacy and numeracy but also other components essential for a 21st century citizen, such as-
  • Critical life skills (including financial literacy, digital literacy, commercial skills, health care and awareness, child care and education and family welfare)
  • Vocational skill development (with a view to securing employment)
  • Basic education (including equivalence of elementary, middle and secondary level)
  • Continuing education (comprehensive adult education curriculum in arts, science, technology, culture, sports and recreation)