(Image source from: Kerala to be officially declared to achieve 100% primary education})

Vice-President Hamid Ansari would make if official that Kerala is the first state to achieve the status of 100% primary education. The declaration is expected to be made at a function at Kerala University Senate Hall on Wednesday.

Education minister P K Abdu Rabb said, "Kerala has become the first state in the country to achieve total primary education. This has been achieved through the primary education equivalency drive of the state literacy mission — Athulyam. The equivalency programmes have proved a huge success and the ultimate objective is to achieve total Plus-Two education in the state.”

Athulyam second phase was carried out across Kerala as part of the Mission 676 of the government. This is launched to mark its third anniversary. Through the program, a chance is offered to those who could not get primary education for whatever is the reason to achieve the education qualification equal to fourth standard.

All aged between 15 and 50 were the beneficiaries of the program. The family registries made by anganwadis, under the social justice department and also through ward-level surveys, were used to identify the beneficiaries. Instructors in continuing education programs have carried out the surveys.

In June 2015, nearly 2.6 lakh candidates appeared for the 4th standard equivalency examination, while 2.2 lakh candidates have qualified. At nearly 6,613 centres across Kerala, the exam was conducted.

-Sumana