The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is planning to provide certificates to the learners under the literacy programme Saakshar Bharat. NIOS chairman Sitansu S Jena told reporters, with this millions of adults covered under the literacy programme of the government may now look forward to formal certification for their education and training on skill development. He said that certificates of class-III, class-V and class-VIII will be provided to the learners once they complete the courses. The NIOS plans to develop the course materials under the programme. Mr. Jena said this today at a function to celebrate the foundation day of NIOS. The government had started the National Literacy Mission in 1986 with a view provide education to illiterate people. The government this year recast the literacy programme with launching of Saakshar Bharat which aims at making 70 million people literate in the next five years.<br/>