New Delhi: In a landmark achievement for Indian education, Mizoram has been declared the first state in the country to attain full functional literacy, a feat announced by Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma on May 20, 2025, during a grand ceremony at the Auditorium of Mizoram University in Aizawl. This milestone, achieved through the transformative ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme), marks a significant step toward realizing the vision of universal literacy outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. With a literacy rate of 98.20% as per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24, Mizoram has surpassed the Ministry of Education’s benchmark of 95% to be recognized as fully literate.

Mizoram’s Path to Full Functional Literacy

Mizoram’s journey to becoming India’s first fully literate state is a testament to its unwavering commitment to education and community-driven initiatives. According to the 2011 Census, Mizoram already boasted an impressive literacy rate of 91.33%, ranking third in India. However, the state’s ambition to achieve full functional literacy—a concept that goes beyond basic reading and writing to include numeracy, digital literacy, financial literacy, and critical life skills—propelled it to new heights. The PLFS Survey of 2023-24 recorded Mizoram’s literacy rate at 98.20%, a remarkable leap that reflects the success of targeted literacy programs and community participation.

The declaration of full functional literacy was formalized on May 20, 2025, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State for Education and Skill Development, Dr. Vanlalthlana, Mizoram’s Minister of Education, the Chief Secretary, and other officials. The event, held at Mizoram University’s auditorium, celebrated the collective efforts of volunteers, educators, and government authorities who worked tirelessly to educate the state’s remaining non-literate population.

The Role of ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram

At the heart of Mizoram’s achievement lies the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, also known as the New India Literacy Programme (NILP). Launched in 2022, this centrally sponsored scheme, with a financial outlay of Rs. 1,037.90 crore (Rs. 700 crore from the central government and Rs. 337.90 crore from states), is designed to run from the financial year 2022-23 to 2026-27. Aligned with the NEP 2020, ULLAS aims to empower adults aged 15 and above who missed formal schooling by equipping them with essential literacy and life skills. The program’s vision, encapsulated in the phrase Jan Jan Saakshar (Literacy for All), emphasizes inclusivity and lifelong learning.

ULLAS operates through five key components:

1. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: Ensures learners acquire basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills to navigate daily life.
2. Critical Life Skills: Provides training in financial literacy, digital skills, health awareness, and other practical competencies.
3. Basic Education: Offers equivalency programs for primary, middle, and secondary education levels.
4. Vocational Skills: Promotes livelihood-related training to foster self-sufficiency and economic independence.
5. Continuing Education: Encourages advanced learning opportunities for personal growth and lifelong education.

The scheme’s implementation is volunteer-driven, rooted in the spirit of Kartavya Bodh (sense of duty), which fosters social responsibility and community participation. In Mizoram, 292 volunteer teachers, including students, educators, and Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs), played a pivotal role in educating 1,692 learners out of the 3,026 non-literate individuals identified in a 2023 survey. These efforts, combined with extensive community outreach, enabled Mizoram to achieve its historic literacy milestone.

Implementation Strategies and Community Engagement

ULLAS’s success in Mizoram is attributed to its innovative implementation strategies, which leveraged local resources and community involvement. The scheme utilizes existing infrastructure, such as schools, local cultural centers, and community halls, to establish Samajik Chetna Kendras (community awareness centers). Schools serve as the primary units of implementation, ensuring accessibility and scalability. Volunteers, motivated by a sense of social responsibility, conducted literacy classes, assessments, and awareness campaigns to reach every non-literate individual in the state.

The use of regional languages was a critical factor in making educational content accessible. Through the DIKSHA Portal and the ULLAS Mobile App/Web Portal, learners accessed resources tailored to their linguistic and cultural contexts. The Online Teaching, Learning, and Assessment System (OTLAS), developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), further supported digital learning by providing a user-friendly platform for content delivery and progress tracking.

Assessment and certification under ULLAS are facilitated through the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT), conducted biannually or on-demand at local schools. This rigorous evaluation process ensures that learners meet the predetermined standards of functional literacy, which include the ability to read, write, perform basic math, and apply digital and financial skills in real-world scenarios.

Mizoram’s Achievement in Context

Mizoram’s declaration as India’s first fully literate state follows the earlier milestone achieved by Ladakh, which became the first administrative unit (Union Territory) to declare full functional literacy on June 24, 2024. While Ladakh’s achievement set a precedent, Mizoram’s success as a state underscores the scalability of the ULLAS model in larger and more diverse populations. The state’s literacy rate of 98.20%, as reported by the PLFS 2023-24, exceeds the Ministry of Education’s threshold of 95% for full functional literacy, positioning Mizoram as a national leader in education.

Nationally, ULLAS has made significant strides, with over 2.37 crore learners and 40.84 lakh volunteers registered on the ULLAS mobile app. Mizoram’s achievement serves as a model for other states, demonstrating the power of volunteerism, community-driven education, and alignment with national policies like NEP 2020 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education).

Significance of Functional Literacy

Functional literacy, as defined by the Ministry of Education, goes beyond the ability to sign or write one’s name. It encompasses the skills needed to handle everyday tasks, such as reading signs, filling out forms, managing finances, understanding health-related information, and participating actively in society. This holistic approach to literacy empowers individuals to lead independent, informed, and productive lives.

In Mizoram, the focus on functional literacy has had a transformative impact. By equipping adults with critical life skills, the state has not only raised its literacy rate but also enhanced the socio-economic fabric of its communities. The inclusion of digital and financial literacy in the ULLAS curriculum has enabled learners to navigate modern challenges, from online banking to accessing government services, thereby fostering greater inclusion and empowerment.

Mizoram: A Brief Overview

Mizoram, located in Northeast India, attained statehood on February 20, 1987. Spanning an area of 21,081 km² (8,139 sq mi), it is known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse tribal communities, and scenic landscapes. The state’s commitment to education has long been evident, with its 91.33% literacy rate in the 2011 Census placing it among India’s top-performing states. The recent achievement of full functional literacy further cements Mizoram’s reputation as a leader in educational progress.

Broader Implications and Future Outlook

Mizoram’s milestone sets a national precedent for adult functional literacy and highlights the effectiveness of community-driven education models. The success of ULLAS in Mizoram demonstrates the potential of volunteerism and public participation in achieving large-scale educational goals. It also underscores the importance of aligning state-level initiatives with national policies like NEP 2020, which emphasizes inclusive and lifelong learning.

As India strives to achieve universal literacy, Mizoram’s example offers valuable lessons for other states. The state’s focus on regional languages, digital platforms, and community engagement can be replicated to address literacy gaps in diverse and underserved regions. Moreover, the integration of vocational and life skills into the literacy curriculum ensures that education translates into tangible socio-economic benefits, aligning with the broader objectives of sustainable development.

Conclusion

Mizoram’s declaration as India’s first fully literate state on May 20, 2025, is a historic achievement that reflects the power of collective action, innovative policies, and unwavering dedication to education. Through the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, Mizoram has not only achieved a literacy rate of 98.20% but also set a benchmark for functional literacy that empowers individuals and strengthens communities. As the state celebrates this milestone, it paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future, inspiring other regions to follow in its footsteps. With the continued implementation of ULLAS and the spirit of Jan Jan Saakshar, India moves closer to realizing the dream of universal literacy and lifelong learning for all.

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