Mizoram declared India's first fully literate state

Lalduhoma made the announcement in the presence of Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary at a function in Mizoram University (MZU).

Guwahati: Mizoram was on Tuesday declared as the first fully literate state under the Centre's Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS) initiative.

The announcement was made by Chief Minister Lalduhoma at a celebratory event held at the Mizoram University at Aizawl in the presence of Union Minister of State for Education, Jayant Chaudhary, Mizoram education minister Vanlalthlana.

The ULLAS initiative mandates minimum literacy rate of 95 percent and according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS 2023–2024), Mizoram reached a literacy rate of 98.2%, thus leading it to become the first fully literate state, an official statement issued by Mizoram government said.

"Today marks a historic moment in the journey of our state — one that will be remembered by generations to come,” Lalduhoma said at the event. "A total of 1,692 persons who, despite having missed earlier educational opportunities, demonstrated extraordinary determination and a will to learn, even in later stages of life."

Chaudhary praised Mizoram's commitment to inclusive growth through education. “This is a proud day not just for Mizoram, but for the entire nation,” he said.

The Mission:

The CM said the landmark achievement was the result of sustained efforts by the School Education Department, particularly through Samagra Shiksha and the New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram). The state government established a Governing Council and Executive Committee under the State Literacy Mission Authority, with the State Project Office under Samagra Shiksha Mizoram spearheading the initiative.

To support the mission, the State Centre for Literacy was set up under SCERT. It developed Mizo language learning materials titled Vartian, along with an English version for learners in the Lawngtlai district. Additional resources such as Romei for learners and Margdarshika for Volunteer Teachers were created. Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators acted as surveyors for the New India Literacy Programme, identifying 3,026 illiterate individuals aged 15 and above — of whom 1,692 expressed a willingness to learn, said the CM.

According to the 2011 Census, Kerala was found to be the state with highest literacy and Mizoram, with just nearly 11 lakh population, came second.