Mizoram Becomes First Indian State to Achieve Full Literacy
Aizawl, May 20 — In a landmark achievement for Indian education, Mizoram was officially declared a fully literate state on Tuesday, becoming the first state in the country to cross the benchmark for full literacy as defined by the Ministry of Education. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Lalduhoma at a celebratory function held at Mizoram University, Aizawl.
The declaration marks the culmination of a sustained, community-driven literacy campaign supported under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, a centrally sponsored initiative targeting adult education in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The event was attended by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, along with Mizoram’s Minister for School Education Dr. Vanlalthlana, senior state officials, and student representatives.
According to the Ministry of Education’s criteria, full literacy is defined as over 95% literacy among the population aged 15 years and above. A door-to-door survey carried out in August–September 2023 identified 3,026 non-literate individuals in the state. Out of these, 1,692 were successfully engaged in structured learning. According to the Performance and Financial Literacy Survey (PFLS) 2023–24, Mizoram's literacy rate now stands at 98.20%.
Mizoram, which gained statehood in 1987, had already recorded a high literacy rate of 91.33% in the 2011 Census, ranking third in the country. The recent achievement builds on this legacy, driven by grassroots mobilisation and a strong volunteer force. Over 292 volunteers, including students, educators, and local resource personnel, played a key role in reaching every last learner.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma described the moment as a “historic milestone” in Mizoram’s development journey, praising the people of the state for their collective commitment to education. Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary lauded Mizoram’s achievement as a model for the rest of the country and highlighted the national progress made under the ULLAS scheme.
The ULLAS programme, which runs from 2022 to 2027, includes five components: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills, and Continuing Education. So far, more than 2.37 crore learners and 40.84 lakh volunteer teachers have registered on the ULLAS mobile app, with over 1.77 crore learners appearing for the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT) nationwide.
Mizoram’s success follows Ladakh, which became the first administrative unit to declare full literacy in June 2024. However, Mizoram is the first full-fledged Indian state to reach this milestone, setting a precedent for other states aiming to eradicate adult illiteracy.
The declaration in Aizawl marks not just a policy win, but a social victory rooted in volunteerism, cultural pride, and a collective vision for inclusive education.