Aizawl: Mizoram has officially become the first state in India to achieve 100% literacy, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s educational journey. The announcement was made on Tuesday by Chief Minister Lalduhoma during a celebratory event at Mizoram University (MZU), attended by Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary.
Addressing the gathering, CM Lalduhoma said, “As we celebrate this achievement, we also renew our commitment to sustaining literacy through continuous education, digital access, and vocational skill training.” He added, “Let us now aim higher: digital literacy, financial literacy, and entrepreneurial skill for all Mizos.”
The Union Minister congratulated the state government and the people of Mizoram for their exemplary achievement. “Today, we proudly declare Mizoram as the first fully literate state under the visionary Ullas Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. Congratulations to the people of Mizoram and Hon’ble CM @PuLalduhoma for this achievement,” Chaudhary posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He also acknowledged the efforts of Education Minister Dr. Vanlalthlana, stating, “Special thanks to Hon’ble Education Minister Dr. Vanlalthlana for championing this cause. The Chief Minister was gracious in commending the work of previous State Governments as well in the remarkable journey of progress Mizoram has undertaken. May the Northeast continue to lead the way in building a Shikshit, Kushal, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Building on a Strong Foundation
According to the 2011 Census, Mizoram had a literacy rate of 91.33%, the third-highest in the country at the time. Building upon this strong foundation, the state implemented the ULLAS — Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society — and Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram to identify and educate the remaining non-literate individuals.
Based on projections from the 2011 census data, surveys were conducted, identifying 3,026 illiterate individuals, out of which 1,692 were recognised as potential learners.
Volunteers Lead the Way
The success of this literacy campaign is attributed to the collective efforts of 292 dedicated volunteer teachers. This diverse group included students, educators, resource persons, and Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators, all working tirelessly across the state to ensure no one was left behind.
Officials credited community mobilisation and sustained dedication as key factors in achieving universal literacy. “The community came together with one mission — education for all. This unity is what made the impossible possible,” said an official involved in the program.
Mizoram’s achievement is now being hailed as a model for the rest of the country, proving that with political will, community involvement, and visionary leadership, educational transformation is possible.
(With inputs from PTI)
