Mizoram has made history by becoming the first Indian state to be officially declared fully literate under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative, CM Lalduhoma announced on May 20. The declaration was made during a ceremony at the Mizoram University Auditorium, attended by Union Minister of State for Education, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary and Mizoram Education Minister Dr Vanlalthlana.
“Today marks a historic moment in our state’s journey – a transformational milestone that reflects the collective will, discipline, and vision of our people,” said Lalduhoma during his address.
The recognition comes after Mizoram surpassed the minimum threshold of 95% literacy required by ULLAS standards. According to the 2023–2024 Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), the state’s literacy rate stands at an impressive 98.2 per cent.
Angela Zothanpuii, Director of the Mizoram Education Department, confirmed that the state exceeded the benchmark, officially qualifying it as fully literate under ULLAS guidelines. “Mizoram has crossed the 95 per cent mark, which qualifies us for full literacy recognition,” she said.
During the last Assembly session, CM Lalduhoma highlighted the efforts that led to this achievement, including the recruitment of 292 contractual educators by the education department to boost literacy rates.
“This achievement is not the end, but the beginning of a new chapter,” Lalduhoma emphasized. “We now look toward expanding digital, financial, and entrepreneurial literacy to build on our success.”
He called on the people of Mizoram to continue striving for progress: “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 Jayant Chaudhary praised the dedication of the people and the government, commending the comprehensive efforts that led to the milestone.
Mizoram’s success is the result of coordinated initiatives by the School Education Department, particularly through Samagra Shiksha and the New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram). A Governing Council and Executive Committee were set up under the State Literacy Mission Authority, with leadership from the State Project Office under Samagra Shiksha Mizoram.
A State Centre for Literacy (SCL) was established within SCERT, and support materials like Margdarshikha were developed for Volunteer Teachers. Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs) conducted surveys to identify 3,026 illiterate individuals aged 15 and above, of whom 1,692 expressed willingness to learn.
To reach these learners, 292 Volunteer Teachers were deployed through District Project Offices, conducting lessons in schools, community halls, Young Mizo Association (YMA) libraries – and even in learners’ homes when needed.
Now boasting a 98.2 per cent literacy rate, Mizoram stands as a national example of educational progress and inclusive development – and proudly holds the distinction of being India’s first state officially declared fully literate under the ULLAS initiative.
