Functional literacy is a set of skills that allows individuals to read, write, and comprehend information in a way that enables them to function effectively in their daily lives. Encompassing more than basic reading and writing skills, extending to critical thinking, problem-solving, and understanding language in various contexts, functional literacy enriches the lives of workers by empowering their autonomy and decision-making skills.
How Functional Literacy Helps the Industry?
Functional literacy holds significant importance for the industrial sector, as it forms the foundation for success in the workforce. The competition is strife and a product’s success depends on quick actionable intelligence. In today’s environment, where critical and innovative thinking is paramount, functional literacy is crucial.
One notable advantage of functional literacy is increased productivity and due diligence. With a literate workforce, industries will be in a position to minimize errors, enhance overall workflow efficiency, and achieve better-quality products, faster turn-around times, and higher revenue.
With AI entering our lives and deciding our consumption patterns in a 360-degree manner, a highly adaptable workforce is the most desired. The ongoing trend of automation and digitalization further emphasizes the need for a highly literate workforce capable of adapting to new technologies and tools.
Fostering and Leading Innovation
Functional literacy also fosters innovation and entrepreneurship. Individuals who possess strong reading and comprehension skills can identify market gaps, capitalize on opportunities, and develop new products and services. With the nation becoming ambitious with start-ups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), a highly literate population contributes to their flourishing, resulting in overall economic improvement.
Entrepreneurs need functional literacy to understand market trends, create business plans, and manage finances. Additionally, functional literacy empowers individuals to engage in self-employment by starting their own small businesses and contributing to the economy.
Moreover, functional literacy significantly impacts the quality of life. Literate workers tend to receive better deserving pay, health benefits, and job opportunities. This leads to improved living standards and reduced poverty in their families and in the long run, their communities too.
The future of Indian industries hinges on functional literacy. By investing in higher education, training, and skill development, India has the potential to revolutionize its industries through a highly literate and skilled workforce reaping the benefits of its demographic dividend that will reach its highest, 68.9% by 2030.
Indian Industrial Growth and Functional Literacy: A Symbiotic Relationship
In India, technology-driven growth presents a tremendous opportunity, especially for the unorganized sector that constitutes the majority of the workforce fuelling the world economy. However, this group often lacks the knowledge to leverage digitalization for economic and social progress, rendering them vulnerable to exploitation, limiting their market participation, and inhibiting the realization of their economic potential.
In manufacturing, functional literacy is vital for workers to comprehend instructions, operate machinery safely, and communicate effectively with supervisors and colleagues. Without functional literacy, workers may jeopardize their safety and that of others by being unable to understand safety instructions or operate machinery correctly.
In the services sector, functional literacy is essential for effective communication with customers, comprehension, and implementation of company policies and procedures, and seamless transition from traditional to digital services. Proficiency in digital tools and devices is crucial for providing services efficiently and accurately.
In agriculture, functional literacy is critical for farmers to understand instructions regarding the use of fertilizers and pesticides, manage finances, negotiate with buyers, and access government schemes and policies.
The Next Steps: Functional Literacy in India
To harness the potential of functional literacy, the Indian government, industries, and development organisations must collaborate to provide quality education, training, and skilling, irrespective of socio-economic background. This will cultivate a highly skilled and literate workforce, enhance productivity, drive innovation, and spur growth and development.
A comprehensive approach encompassing education, technology, collaboration, awareness, and evaluation is essential to ensure individuals have the knowledge and skills to manage their finances effectively. Collaboration among the government, private sector, and civil society can promote financial literacy and empower individuals to make informed financial decisions.
In conclusion, functional literacy in India is crucial for individuals to thrive in today’s complex world. By prioritizing investments in skilling and fostering an environment that supports functional literacy, India can unlock its potential, uplift its industries, and create a prosperous future for all.
Smile Foundation’s livelihood programme, STeP (Smile Twin e-Learning Programme) caters to the modern skilling needs of the workforce including essential functional literacy. Training and upskilling the youth from underserved communities of India, its efforts are directed towards the youth having dignified, independent lives for themselves and their families.
