Aizawl: In a landmark achievement, Mizoram has become the first Indian state to achieve full functional literacy, as declared by Chief Minister Lalduhoma today at a celebratory event held at the Auditorium of Mizoram University in Aizawl. This milestone positions Mizoram as a model for India’s literacy mission, inspiring other states to follow suit.
The event in Aizawl was a testament to Mizoram’s collaborative spirit, showcasing the power of community-driven efforts and government support in advancing inclusive education.
Mizoram, which gained statehood on February 20, 1987, and spans 21,081 km² (8,139 sq mi), has long been a leader in education. The 2011 Census recorded its literacy rate at 91.33%, ranking third in India. Building on this foundation, the state implemented the ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme), a centrally sponsored scheme running from 2022 to 2027. Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, ULLAS targets adults aged 15 and above, offering five components: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills, and Continuing Education. The scheme operates on volunteerism, driven by the spirit of Kartavya Bodh (sense of duty), with a vision to make India fully literate.
A door-to-door survey conducted by Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs) in August–September 2023 identified 3,026 non-literate individuals across Mizoram. Of these, 1,692 learners participated in teaching-learning activities, enabling the state to achieve a literacy rate of 98.20% as per the 2023-24 PFLS survey. This surpasses the Ministry of Education’s threshold of 95% literacy, qualifying Mizoram as fully literate. The effort was powered by 292 volunteer teachers, including students, educators, resource persons, and CRCCs, whose dedication, rooted in Mizo cultural values, was instrumental in this success.
Nationally, the ULLAS scheme has seen remarkable progress, with over 1.77 crore learners participating in the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) and more than 2.37 crore learners and 40.84 lakh volunteer teachers registered on the ULLAS Mobile app. Mizoram’s achievement follows Ladakh’s declaration as the first administrative unit to achieve full literacy on June 24, 2024.
Today’s milestone event was attended byJayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India; Dr. Vanlalthlana, Minister of School Education, Higher & Technical Education, Mizoram; Khilli Ram Meena, IAS, Chief Secretary to the Government of Mizoram; David Lalthantluanga, Special Secretary, School Education Department; along with state dignitaries, officials, and students of Mizoram University.
– global bihari bureau
