NATIONAL LITERACY MISSION - RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT

Improving upon the National Adult Education Programme, the National Li teracy Mission (NLM) made the demand for literacy from the illiterates as an entry point to generate mass participation in adult literacy pr ogrammes. The total literacy campaigns (TLCs) launched under the auspi ces of NLM in various districts of the country nor only energised gove rnment officials and general populace but distinctly empowered the dis advantaged sections of the society. Yet, given the limited human, mate rial and financial resources in an administrative set up, and the negl ect of post-literacy and continuing education phase, the TLCs would ac hieve their goal in a more systematic manner if alternative strategies by local voluntary agencies and social action groups too are encourag ed by the zilla saksharatha samitis.