Introduction
Adult education in India has undergone significant changes since independence in 1947. The policy direction has evolved from a focus on basic literacy to a more comprehensive approach encompassing lifelong learning, skill development, empowerment, and active citizenship. These changes reflect India’s broader socio-economic and political transitions, as well as the recognition of education as a fundamental right and a tool for national development.
Early Post-Independence Initiatives
1. National Policy on Education (1968)
- The first formal policy on education emphasized the eradication of illiteracy, especially among adults.
- It laid the foundation for adult education programs as part of national development.
2. Farmer’s Functional Literacy Project (FFLP), 1969
- Targeted adult farmers to educate them about modern agricultural practices.
- Marked a shift from basic literacy to functional literacy.
Major Policy Shifts in the 1970s and 1980s
1. National Adult Education Programme (NAEP), 1978
- One of the first major national-level initiatives focused on the education of adults aged 15-35.
- It emphasized community participation, voluntary teaching, and a decentralized approach.
2. National Literacy Mission (NLM), 1988
- Launched to make 80 million adults literate by 1995.
- Focused on functional literacy, awareness-building, and community empowerment.
- Programs under NLM included the Total Literacy Campaigns (TLCs) and Post Literacy Programmes (PLPs).
Policy Reforms in the 1990s and 2000s
1. National Policy on Education (NPE), 1986 (Modified in 1992)
- Reinforced the goal of universal literacy and recognized adult education as a crucial component of the education system.
- Emphasized women’s empowerment and education for marginalized communities.
2. Jan Shikshan Sansthans (JSS), 2000
- Focused on vocational and skill-based training for neo-literates and school dropouts.
- Aimed to link literacy with employability and income generation.
Recent Developments (2010 Onwards)
1. Saakshar Bharat Mission, 2009
- Targeted female literacy and aimed to reduce the gender gap in literacy.
- Focused on creating literate, informed, and empowered citizens.
2. National Education Policy (NEP), 2020
- Marks a major shift by emphasizing lifelong learning and integrating adult education with digital technologies.
- Proposes to cover critical life skills, financial literacy, health awareness, and vocational skills.
- Adult education to be delivered through formal, non-formal, and online modes.
Key Themes in Policy Evolution
- From Literacy to Lifelong Learning: Transition from basic literacy to a broader lifelong learning framework.
- Community Participation: Involvement of volunteers, NGOs, and local bodies has increased.
- Use of Technology: Recent policies highlight the use of digital platforms and ICT in adult education.
- Focus on Women and Marginalized Groups: Consistent efforts to bridge gender and caste-based literacy gaps.
Conclusion
Since independence, India’s adult education policies have evolved in response to changing developmental needs, literacy levels, and socio-political contexts. While early policies focused on eradicating illiteracy, recent approaches emphasize empowerment, skills, and lifelong learning. The NEP 2020 is a step towards making adult education more inclusive, digital, and aligned with the needs of 21st-century learners.