Impact of Saakshar Bharat Programme on Marginalised Communities with Reference to Financial and Legal areas– A Study

Abstract

Saakshar Bharat Programme (SBP) a centrally sponsored scheme of Department of School Education and Literacy, National Literacy Mission Authority (NLMA) Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India (GOI) was launched on the International Literacy Day (ILD), 8th September, 2009 to impart functional literacy to 70 million non-literates in the age –group of 15+ adults in the country. SBP has been in operation in Telangana since 2010 and millions of non-literates were made literates and they are attending Lok Shiksha Kendras/Adult Education Centres (LSK/AEC) for life-long learning to enhance their further knowledge and skills for better quality of life. Purpose of the study: The study tried to assess two issues which are to study the awareness levels of the neo-literates of SBP in Financial and Legal areas and to examine the extent of application level of the neo-literates in the areas of Financial and Legal.
Methodology: This empirical research adopted a quantitative method by distributing a schedule to 400 neo-literates located in rural based Mahabubnagar and Rangareddy districts of Telangana state. The data analyzed by using statistical techniques such as mean and percentages to assess the impact of SBP on marginalized communities with reference to Financial and Legal areas.
Main findings: The study reveals that the awareness/knowledge and application score of the neo-literates are more than 50 percent both in financial and legal areas in SBP. This is a positive trend. Therefore, it shows that SBP was more helpful to the neo-literates in their day to day life. Application of the study: The findings of the study are useful for the government in implementing SBP on marginalized communities to strengthen the neo-literates financially and legally. It would be relevant to apply solutions for the problems encountering by the neo-literates of SBP during teaching learning process. Novelty/originality of the study: The impact of SBP on marginalized communities relating to financial and legal areas has been addressed categorically concerning empowerment among the neo-literates. Therefore, a determined plan of implementation of further action can significantly empower the neo-literates of SBP.