Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) — the ability to read with understanding and perform basic arithmetic by Class 3 — is the bedrock of all future learning. Yet, for many children in Bihar, even by Classes 3 to 5, these basic skills remain out of reach.
According to the ASER 2024 survey, only 20.1% of Class 3 children in Bihar could read a Class 2-level text, and less than half could solve a simple two-digit subtraction problem. (ASER Centre Report, 2024, Business Standard, 2024) This means that 4 out of 5 children in early primary grades are struggling to read, write, and calculate — the most essential skills for lifelong learning.
In Gaya district, this learning crisis is even more visible in government schools serving children from low-income families. Teachers face multiple challenges: large class sizes, outdated teaching materials, and limited training. Many students start school without pre-literacy exposure, and assessments often reward rote memorization over understanding.
The National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat), launched by the Ministry of Education, seeks to ensure that every child achieves FLN by Grade 3. (NIPUN Bharat Framework, MoE) However, ground realities in districts like Gaya reveal a persistent gap between policy and practice. Many children are “left behind early”, falling through the cracks before they even get a fair chance to succeed.
Why is FLN so crucial for Classes 3–5? Because if a child cannot read or do basic math by this stage, they struggle to follow lessons in higher grades. By Class 8, many lose interest, leading to dropouts and disconnection from learning.
FLN is not just an academic goal — it’s a social equalizer. Strengthening foundational skills from Classes 3 to 5 means empowering every child to learn independently, think critically, and grow with confidence.
That’s why initiatives like Project SPARSH by Glad Bharat Foundation are vital — transforming classrooms in Gaya by focusing on reading, comprehension, and numeracy at the root level. When learning begins strong, dreams grow stronger.
