A total of 30,871 learners have been identified in Coimbatore district under the New India Literacy Programme – ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning All in Society), implemented by the Tamil Nadu School Education Department through the Directorate of Non-Formal and Adult Education.

According to the department, 1,300 volunteers are being trained across all 15 blocks to impart basic literacy and numeracy skills, aiming to achieve full literacy in the district by the end of the year. Chief Educational Officer R. Balamurali said the programme targets adults with little or no formal schooling, helping them acquire essential skills such as reading and writing simple alphabets for everyday tasks, including boarding a bus.

NSS volunteers and programme officers from Avinashilingam Deemed University were recently honoured with Literacy Luminary Awards for their work in 26 villages across the district. The awards were presented by Dr. Pon Kumar, Joint Director of the Directorate of Non-Formal and Adult Education, during International Literacy Day celebrations at the university, presided over by Vice-Chancellor Dr. Barathi Harishankar. Dr. Indu, Registrar, and NSS Coordinators Dr. Radha and Dr. Lydia also offered felicitations.

The programme aims to achieve full literacy in Coimbatore through volunteer-led training across all 15 blocks by the end of the year.