In a landmark moment for the state and the country, Mizoram achieved full literacy on Tuesday, 20th May 2025. Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma officially declared Mizoram a fully literate state, making it the first state in India to reach this significant educational milestone.
The declaration took place at a special function in Aizawl, Mizoram’s capital, in the presence of several prominent dignitaries. Attendees included Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India; Dr. Vanlalthlana, Mizoram’s Minister of School Education, Higher & Technical Education; Shri Khilli Ram Meena, Chief Secretary of Mizoram; Shri David Lalthantluanga, Special Secretary, School Education Department; alongside other state officials and students from Mizoram University.
Mizoram, which attained statehood on 20th February 1987, covers an area of 21,081 km². According to the 2011 Census, the state had a literacy rate of 91.33%, ranking third in the nation. With the implementation of the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme), the state intensified efforts to identify and educate remaining non-literate adults.
In August–September 2023, Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs) carried out a door-to-door survey, identifying 3,026 non-literate individuals. Of these, 1,692 were actively engaged in learning activities. With these efforts, Mizoram surpassed the 95% literacy threshold defined by the Ministry of Education to be considered fully literate. The 2023–24 PFLS survey further confirmed Mizoram’s literacy rate at 98.20%.
Central to this achievement was the dedication of 292 volunteer teachers, including students, educators, and CRCCs. Driven by a deep sense of Kartavya Bodh (duty) and the values of Mizo culture, these volunteers played a vital role in Mizoram’s journey to full literacy.
The celebration at Mizoram University’s auditorium was not just a ceremonial event but a recognition of the collective effort made by the government and people of Mizoram in advancing inclusive education and empowering every citizen through literacy.
The ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, launched in 2022 and running until 2027, is a centrally sponsored scheme aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It targets adults aged 15 years and above who missed formal schooling. The scheme encompasses five components: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Basic Education, Critical Life Skills, Vocational Skills, and Continuing Education. Implemented through volunteerism, ULLAS has so far registered over 2.37 crore learners and 40.84 lakh volunteer teachers through its mobile app. More than 1.77 crore neo-literates have already taken the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) under the scheme.
Although Ladakh became the first administrative unit to declare full literacy on 24th June 2024, Mizoram has now earned the historic distinction of being the first Indian state to achieve full literacy, setting a benchmark for the rest of the nation.
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