Chief Minister Declares Mizoram the First Fully Literate State in India

Aizawl : In a landmark moment for the nation’s educational journey, Mizoram today was declared the first fully literate state under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative. The announcement was made with pride by Chief Minister Pu Lalduhoma at a celebratory event held at the MZU Auditorium. Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Education, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and Dr. Vanlalthlana, Mizoram’s Minister of Education, graced the occasion as Guests of Honour.

“Today marks a historic moment in the journey of our state — one that will be remembered by generations to come,” said the Chief Minister while addressing the gathering. He emphasized that this achievement is not just a statistic, but “a transformational milestone, one that speaks to the collective will, discipline, and vision of our people.”

He further stated that this was a collective accomplishment by citizens who love their state and work with dedication — particularly highlighting the 1,692 individuals who, despite having missed earlier educational opportunities, demonstrated extraordinary determination and a will to learn, even later in life.

“We celebrate this day not as the end of a campaign, but as the dawn of a new era of opportunity, empowerment, and inclusion,” Pu Lalduhoma said. He noted that while today may not mark the conclusion of the literacy movement, “we also renew our commitment to sustaining literacy through continuous education, digital access, and vocational skill training.”

He called upon all Mizos to dream bigger and aim higher: “Let this be just the beginning. Let us now aim higher — digital literacy, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skills for every Mizo.” Reiterating the pride of the moment, he declared, “We are proud to be the first — and we will strive to remain the best.”

He concluded with an inspiring vision: “Let this declaration ignite a new wave of learning and empowerment. Together, we move forward — toward a smarter, stronger, and more inclusive Mizoram.”

Union Minister of State for Education Shri Jayant Chaudhary congratulated the people of Mizoram on this remarkable achievement and commended the dedication of all stakeholders involved. He praised the state’s commitment to inclusive growth through education and expressed confidence that Mizoram would continue to lead the way in lifelong learning and skill development. “This is a proud day not just for Mizoram, but for the entire nation,” he said, extending his best wishes for the state’s continued journey towards excellence in education and empowerment.

The event was chaired by Chief Secretary Pu Khilli Ram Meena, who delivered the welcome address and presented a brief report on Mizoram’s journey to this historic milestone.

Mizoram’s recognition as the first fully literate state comes under the Ministry of Education’s ULLAS initiative, which mandates a minimum literacy rate of 95% of the population. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS 2023–2024), Mizoram has reached a literacy rate of 98.2%.

This landmark achievement is 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 (SCL) was set up under SCERT. It developed Mizo language learning materials titled Vartian, along with an English version for learners in Lawngtlai district. Additional resources such as Romei for learners and Margdarshikha for Volunteer Teachers were created. Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs) 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.

District Project Offices recruited 292 Volunteer Teachers to conduct regular classes in schools, community halls, YMA libraries, and even in learners’ homes when needed.

With a literacy rate of 98.2%, Mizoram now stands tall as the first state to be recognized under ULLAS as fully literate — a beacon of educational progress and inclusive development in India.