Tripura is on the verge of creating history as it is set to be officially declared India’s third fully literate state, following Mizoram and Goa. The landmark announcement will be made by Chief Minister Manik Saha at a ceremony to be held on June 23 at the Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala, marking a major milestone in the state’s educational development.

According to the state’s Education Department, this historic achievement underscores Tripura’s long-standing commitment to education and social development. Among Union Territories, Ladakh holds the distinction of being the first to achieve full literacy. The declaration of Tripura as a fully literate state is being hailed as a monumental social success and a testament to the dedication of various government agencies and community stakeholders.

The foundation of this achievement lies in the successful implementation of the ULLAS – New India Literacy Programme (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society), launched in 2022 under the National Education Policy 2020. The programme aims to ensure universal adult literacy in India by 2027 and is centered on inclusive and lifelong learning. Tripura has demonstrated exemplary leadership in implementing this initiative. The campaign was led by the School Education Department and coordinated by the State Literacy Mission Authority and SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training).

A diverse team of stakeholders played a key role in this success. The mission actively involved retired teachers, school and college students, and trained volunteers working across various administrative levels. Educational materials were developed in Bengali, English, and Kokborok, the state’s prominent languages, ensuring inclusive access to literacy resources.

Notably, 2,228 volunteers under the Youth Literacy Corps and 943 Social Consciousness Centres were instrumental in extending educational services to the most remote corners of the state. From makeshift backyard classes to literacy sessions held in hilly marketplaces, the campaign reached citizens across both social and geographic divides.

According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for 2023–24, Tripura’s literacy rate surged from 93.7% to 95.6%, exceeding the 95% benchmark required by the central government for a state to be declared fully literate. This growth marks a significant leap from Tripura’s literacy rate of just 20.24% in 1961. By the 2011 Census, the state had already achieved 87.22% literacy, ranking behind only Kerala and Mizoram.

Importantly, while earlier literacy campaigns primarily focused on enabling individuals to sign their names, the current initiative promotes functional literacy—providing skills in basic mathematics, digital transactions, and financial literacy. This shift reflects a modern, practical approach to literacy in the digital age.

The June 23 event will be attended by notable dignitaries from both the central and state governments. Among them are Preeti Meena, Director (Adult Education), Ministry of Education, and Raval Hemendra Kumar, Special Secretary (Education), Government of Tripura, who will be guests of honour. Lalnunnemi Darlong, Director of SCERT, will attend as a special guest, and NC Sharma, Director of Secondary and Basic Education and State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, will preside over the function.

This declaration marks a transformative moment for Tripura, placing it firmly on the national map as a model for inclusive, lifelong, and community-driven literacy efforts.