Daijiworld Media Network – Aizawl
Aizawl, May 20: Mizoram has made history by becoming the first state in India to be officially declared fully literate under the Union Ministry of Education’s ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative, Chief Minister Lalduhoma announced on Tuesday.
The landmark declaration was made during a ceremony at Mizoram University Auditorium, attended by union minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary and Mizoram Education Minister Dr Vanlalthlana.
“Today marks a historic moment in our state’s journey a transformational milestone reflecting the collective will, discipline, and vision of our people,” Lalduhoma said.
ULLAS recognises a state as fully literate upon crossing a minimum literacy threshold of 95%. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24, Mizoram boasts an impressive 98.2% literacy rate, well above the national average.
Angela Zothanpuii, director of Mizoram’s Education Department, confirmed the achievement, stating, “Mizoram has become a fully literate state as per ULLAS standards.”
Highlighting the state’s efforts, Lalduhoma credited the recruitment of 292 contractual educators by the education minister as a key factor in topping literacy charts.
The Chief Minister stressed that this achievement is a new beginning, pledging to focus next on digital, financial, and entrepreneurial literacy for all Mizos. “Let us now aim higher digital literacy, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills for every Mizo,” he said.
Union minister Jayant Chaudhary congratulated Mizoram’s people and lauded the dedication of all contributors to this success.
The milestone was achieved through sustained efforts by the School Education Department under schemes like Samagra Shiksha and the New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram).
The state established a Governing Council and Executive Committee under the State Literacy Mission Authority, with the State Project Office under Samagra Shiksha leading the campaign.
Further, the State Centre for Literacy (SCL) under SCERT coordinated volunteer teachers who identified over 3,000 illiterate adults, of whom nearly 1,700 were willing to learn. Classes were conducted in schools, community halls, YMA libraries, and even learners’ homes.
Mizoram’s 98.2% literacy rate now stands as a beacon of educational progress and inclusive development, setting a benchmark as India’s first officially fully literate state under ULLAS.