Mobile phones, cable TV, job cards motivate people to write National Literacy exam

The test scientifically assesses learners for functional literacy. Held across three lakh exam centres, the assessment was conducted on March 17 by the National Literacy Mission Authority in consultation with the National Institute of Open Schooling. The exam assesses learners on reading, writing and arithmetic skills through written summative tests of three-hour duration in local languages.

Assessments are designed to gauge the learner’s general awareness, including social issues and work environment. The successful candidates are awarded certificates.

When the National Literacy Mission was launched in 1980s there was hardly any interest despite of a huge population of illiterates. Four decades later, MNREGA and Direct Benefits Transfer together with the mobile phone have engineered a social shift that has generated an interest in mastering the three Rs.

Of the 2.3 crore learners who have taken the test since 2010, when it was first introduced, no more than 1.7 crore have managed to earn the certificate.

“Today, even in villages people use mobile phones and want to do do effectively. Massive penetration of TV has opened up a whole new world of possibility. Issuing of MNREGA job cards and opening of bank accounts under the Direct Benefits Transfer have led to a desire in all and sundry to be able to read and understand these documents,” said an official at NLMA.