Mizoram was officially declared a fully literate state by Chief Minister Lalduhoma, making it the first Indian state to reach this educational milestone. The announcement was made during a grand function at Aizawl’s Mizoram University Auditorium in the presence of Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary and key state dignitaries. This achievement reflects years of commitment to education and community-driven efforts. Mizoram, once ranked third in India’s literacy chart, has now set a national benchmark for educational development and people’s participation in state-led literacy campaigns.
Survey Insights
The path to full literacy began with a door-to-door survey conducted in August–September 2023 by Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs). The survey identified 3,026 non-literate individuals across the state. Of them, 1,692 learners were actively involved in learning activities under the New India Literacy Programme (ULLAS). With these figures, Mizoram crossed the 95% literacy threshold defined by the Ministry of Education as the benchmark for full literacy. The PFLS survey 2023–24 further validated this, revealing a literacy rate of 98.20% for Mizoram.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| State Declared Fully Literate | Mizoram |
| Date of Declaration | 20 May 2025 |
| Declared By | Lalduhoma, Chief Minister of Mizoram |
| Venue of Event | Mizoram University Auditorium, Aizawl |
| Chief Guest (Central Government) | Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (Independent Charge), Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, and MoS for Education |
| Supporting Dignitaries | Dr. Vanlalthlana, Khilli Ram Meena, David Lalthantluanga |
| Programme Implemented | ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme) |
| Survey Conducted By | Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs) |
| Non-literates Identified (2023) | 3,026 individuals |
| Active Learners | 1,692 individuals |
| Volunteer Teachers | 292 (including students, educators, CRCCs) |
| Previous Literacy Rank (2011 Census) | 3rd in India with 91.33% literacy rate |
| Current Literacy Rate (PFLS 2023-24) | 98.20% |
| Minimum Literacy Benchmark for ‘Full’ | Above 95% as per Ministry of Education, Government of India |
| ULLAS Scheme Duration | 2022–2027 |
| ULLAS Scheme Components | Foundational Literacy & Numeracy, Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills, Continuing Education |
| ULLAS Vision | Jan Jan Saakshar – Literacy for Every Citizen |
| Inspiration Behind Campaign | Mizo cultural value and Kartavya Bodh (Sense of Duty) |
Volunteer Effort
A total of 292 volunteers—comprising students, teachers, CRCCs, and education resource personnel—stepped forward to teach and guide the learners. Inspired by a strong cultural sense of “Kartavya Bodh” (sense of duty), these volunteers formed the backbone of Mizoram’s literacy drive. Their dedication was driven not by obligation but by a vision to educate every Mizo citizen. The spirit of volunteerism, deeply rooted in Mizo society, was key in transforming this campaign into a successful people’s movement for inclusive literacy.
Programme Pillars
The ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (2022–2027) served as the driving force behind Mizoram’s achievement. It focuses on five critical areas: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills, and Continuing Education. Aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, ULLAS targets adults aged 15 and above who missed formal schooling. Mizoram’s implementation of this central scheme showcased a robust model of convergence between government planning and citizen engagement, leading to measurable and sustainable literacy gains.
Collaborative Celebration
The declaration event was attended by Mizoram’s School Education Minister Dr. Vanlalthlana, Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena, Special Secretary David Lalthantluanga, and students of Mizoram University. Together, they celebrated the culmination of years of groundwork and collective aspiration. This historic milestone stands as a tribute to the relentless efforts of every stakeholder who believed in literacy as a tool for empowerment. Mizoram’s journey from 91.33% literacy in 2011 to full literacy in 2025 is a beacon for other states to follow.
(India CSR)
