In a proud and historic moment, Mizoram was officially declared the first fully literate state in India under the Centre’s Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) initiative. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Chief Minister Lalduhoma during a celebratory event held at Mizoram University in Aizawl, attended by Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary and Mizoram Education Minister Vanlalthlana.
The ULLAS initiative sets a benchmark literacy rate of 95% for full literacy status. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS 2023–2024), Mizoram has impressively reached a literacy rate of 98.2%, making it the first state to meet this milestone under the programme.
“This is a historic day in Mizoram’s journey — one that will inspire generations to come,” said Chief Minister Lalduhoma. He acknowledged the remarkable efforts of 1,692 individuals who overcame past missed opportunities to pursue literacy later in life, showing great determination and resilience.
“As we celebrate this achievement, we also renew our commitment to sustaining literacy through continuous education, digital access, and vocational skill training”
“Let us now aim higher: digital literacy, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skill for all Mizos”
– CM pic.twitter.com/8aPNdenGJ4
— CM Office Mizoram (@CMOMizoram) May 20, 2025
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary lauded Mizoram’s dedication to inclusive and holistic development through education. “This achievement is a matter of pride not only for Mizoram but for the entire country,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister attributed the success to the consistent and coordinated efforts of the School Education Department, particularly through initiatives like Samagra Shiksha and the New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram). The state government had constituted a Governing Council and an Executive Committee under the State Literacy Mission Authority, with the State Project Office under Samagra Shiksha Mizoram taking the lead in implementing the mission.
To support this educational movement, a State Centre for Literacy was established under the SCERT. The centre developed Mizo language learning materials titled Vartian and English versions for learners in the Lawngtlai district. Additional teaching aids like Romei for learners and Margdarshika for Volunteer Teachers were also created to aid the learning process.
Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators played a crucial role in the initiative by surveying and identifying 3,026 illiterate individuals aged 15 and above. Among them, 1,692 came forward and actively participated in the literacy programmes.
According to the 2011 Census, Kerala had the highest literacy rate in the country, with Mizoram in second place. With a population of just under 11 lakh, Mizoram has now taken the lead, setting a shining example for other states to follow in the pursuit of universal literacy.
