Union Education Minister Declares Mizoram as India’s First Fully Literate State

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on May 21 lauded Mizoram for becoming India’s first fully literate state under the ULLAS - Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, calling it a significant milestone in the nation’s literacy mission. This achievement reflects a proud moment in Mizoram’s educational progress and is a source of national pride. Pradhan credited this success to the collaborative efforts and determination of the people and government of Mizoram, highlighting it as a model for other states to promote inclusive and lifelong learning in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat.

The formal announcement took place at an event in Aizawl attended by Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary, Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma, and other senior officials. According to the 2023-24 Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), Mizoram’s literacy rate is 98.2%, surpassing the 95% benchmark set by the ULLAS initiative. The Ministry of Education praised this accomplishment as a testament to the people's dedication to education and the tireless efforts of volunteers advancing adult literacy.

This success was driven by the state’s School Education Department, which implemented the initiative through Samagra Shiksha and the New India Literacy Programme. A dedicated Governing Council and Executive Committee under the State Literacy Mission Authority oversaw the campaign, with operational management handled by the State Project Office.

To support learners, the State Centre for Literacy (SCL) under SCERT developed Mizo-language literacy materials named Vartian and produced an English version for the Lawngtlai district. Additional resources, such as Romei (a learning book) and Margdarshikha (a teaching guide), were distributed among learners and volunteer teachers.

The campaign identified over 3,000 illiterate individuals aged 15 and above through Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators, with more than 1,600 expressing willingness to learn. Literacy classes were conducted in diverse settings, including schools, community halls, local libraries, and homes, facilitated by 292 volunteer teachers across districts.

A senior official from the Mizoram School Education Department attributed the state’s achievement to sustained community involvement and the commitment of educators. This recognition makes Mizoram the first state to be officially declared fully literate under the ULLAS initiative, a national program promoting literacy through inclusive and lifelong education.

Mizoram’s achievement exemplifies the power of community collaboration, government support, and effective educational programs in driving large-scale literacy improvements. It serves as an inspiring example for other Indian states to adopt similar inclusive strategies for enhancing literacy and educational participation among adults. The milestone aligns with India’s broader goals of inclusive growth, human capital development, and building a knowledge-based society under the Viksit Bharat vision.

By leveraging localized educational resources, volunteer-driven teaching, and strong institutional frameworks, Mizoram has set a precedent in adult literacy, showing that coordinated efforts can yield substantial progress. This success underscores the importance of inclusive, continuous learning systems that reach marginalized and underserved populations, thereby contributing to national development and empowerment.

Looking forward, the Mizoram model under the ULLAS initiative is expected to influence policy and practice across India, reinforcing the need for adaptable, community-centric approaches to literacy. This achievement marks a critical step in India’s journey toward universal literacy, lifelong learning, and sustainable human development.