Mizoram Becomes First State In India To Achieve Full Functional Literacy

NEW DELHI: Mizoram has been officially declared a fully functional literate state, marking a historic milestone in the state’s educational journey.

Chief Minister Lalduhoma made the announcement on May 20 during a special function held in Aizawl, the state capital, in the presence of Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary.

With this achievement, Mizoram becomes the first state in India to attain full functional literacy. Though Kerala is recognised for its 100% literacy rate, functional literacy focuses on the ability to use reading, writing, and arithmetic skills effectively in daily life.

Mizoram, which attained statehood on February 20, 1987, spans a geographical area of 21,081 km². As per the 2011 Census, it recorded a literacy rate of 91.33%, ranking third in India. Building on this strong foundation, the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme) was implemented to identify and educate the remaining non-literate individuals.

A door-to-door survey conducted by Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs) across the state in August–September 2023 identified 3,026 non-literates.

Out of these, 1,692 learners were actively engaged in teaching-learning activities. By this account, Mizoram had crossed the full literacy mark, i.e., above 95% literacy rate (to be considered equivalent to Full literacy) as defined by Ministry of Education, Govt. of India. As per PFLS survey for 2023-24 also, the literacy rate of Mizoram is 98.20%.

In a remarkable display of community spirit, 292 volunteer teachers—including students, educators, resource persons, and CRCCs—came forward to lead this initiative. Guided by a profound sense of duty and the Mizo cultural value, these volunteers played a crucial role in achieving full literacy.

The celebratory event, hosted at the Auditorium of Mizoram University in Aizawl, stands as a powerful testament to the collaborative efforts of the people and government of Mizoram in advancing inclusive education and empowering every citizen through literacy.

ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram

ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram or New India Literacy Programme (NILP) is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented from 2022-2027.

The scheme, aligned with NEP 2020, targets adults (aged 15 years and above) who couldn’t go to school.

The scheme has five components- Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills and Continuing Education. The vision of the ULLAS Scheme is to make Bharat – Jan Jan Saakshar.

Under ULLAS scheme, more than 1.77 crore learners (neo literates) have appeared in the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) till now across the country.

Mizoram Minister of School Education, Higher & Technical Education Dr. Vanlalthlana, Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena, Special Secretary, School Education Department, David Lalthantluanga and other dignitaries and students of Mizoram University took part in the programme.