Mizoram Becomes India’s First Fully Literate State

Context:

Recently, Mizoram has made history by becoming the first state in India to be officially declared fully literate under the ULLAS initiative.

About ULLAS Initiative:

Launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Education, the ULLAS initiative is India’s national program aimed at promoting lifelong learning among adults aged 15 and above. Rooted in the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ULLAS emphasizes holistic education that extends beyond formal schooling.

The program is structured around five foundational pillars:

1. Foundational Literacy – Basic reading, writing, and numeracy

2. Life Skills – Critical skills for personal and social development

3. Basic Education – Fundamental knowledge across subjects

4. Vocational Training – Skills training for job readiness

5. Continuing Education – Opportunities for ongoing learning and development

Strategies to achieve Full Literacy:

It was the outcome of strategic planning, strong governance, and community involvement. The State Project Office under Samagra Shiksha Mizoram led the implementation of ULLAS project, supported by a dedicated Executive Committee and Governing Council established under the State Literacy Mission Authority.

The state also created localized and multilingual learning materials such as:

Vartian – a study resource in Mizo
Romei – learning material for students
Margdarshika – a teaching guide for volunteers

This highly localized, inclusive approach ensured that learners from even the remotest corners of the state could access meaningful educational resources.

Key achievement of Mizoram:

Mizoram’s literacy rate of 98.2%, verified through the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS 2023–2024), surpasses the ULLAS target benchmark of 95%. It also marks a significant improvement from the 91.33% literacy rate reported in the 2011 Census, where Mizoram had already ranked second only to Kerala.

What is next for Mizoram?

Now that the state has reached near-universal literacy, the next frontier is digital and financial literacy. Efforts are already underway to equip citizens with:

Digital skills to navigate an increasingly tech-driven world
Financial literacy to manage resources effectively and foster economic empowerment

These goals are consistent with the broader aims of NEP 2020 and will ensure that Mizoram continues to lead in both traditional and emerging forms of education.

Conclusion:

Mizoram’s literacy milestone is more than a statistical achievement—it is a symbol of resilience, collaboration, and visionary leadership. By becoming the first fully literate state under the ULLAS initiative, Mizoram has set a precedent for other states to follow, proving that with determination and community engagement, universal literacy is not just a dream—it is an achievable reality.