THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA), which had dreamt of transforming itself into a centre for non-formal education in the state, has been groping in the dark for months now. While literacy ranks prominent among the thrust areas in the 12th Five-Year Plan, Kerala hailed as the most literate state in the country, has charted out no plans in the field of literacy. A headless mission and a confused team of literacy volunteers are waiting for a whiff of new air.The Mission now seems to have resigned to its fate of uncertainty ruling it. It was with much pomp and splendour that the LDF Government transformed it from KSLMA into LEAP(Lifelong Education and Awareness Programme) Mission, terming it as a big step in non-formal education.However, the LDF Government failed to ensure that the conversion happened officially and effectively during its term. Owing to technical delays, allegedly bureaucratic interventions, the notification of the conversion was not issued by the government. Which means, it remains KSLMA and has walked back the steps once taken.The ‘akshara laksham’ programme which was KSLMA’s contribution to the 100-day action programme of the UDF Government has also failed to create any ripples. "Apart from the usual classes, there have been no concerted effort to lure any adult-learners into the process,’’ agrees an official with KSLMA.Though a Deputy Secretary in the Education Department has been given the charge of the affairs of KSLMA, it lacks the guidance of a full-time Director. Though several names are making the rounds, the department is yet to make an official declaration.However, the serious concern eating the literacy volunteers is the lack of interest on the part of the government in charting out new proposals related to literacy to be submitted to the formulation of the approach paper for the 12th Five-Year Plan."It is that time when the Mission and the Education department must be putting their heads together to come up with concrete ideas for taking forward the literacy programmes in the state. The approach paper is being formulated by the Planning Commission and here nobody is interested in the exercise. It is ironical, since the state heads in literacy programmes across the whole country,’’ says a literacy expert.Literacy volunteers or preraks who had geared up to become promoters under the LEAP Mission are also confused. After taking that extra step in LEAP, they are now back to square one. It is time the Education Department cast a glance at the literacy activities if it intends to answer the requirements of the non-formal education sector too.
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