Mizoram Becomes India’s First Fully Literate State with 98.2% Literacy Rate under ULLAS
Mizoram has become India’s first fully literate state, achieving an extraordinary 98.2% literacy rate under the Ministry of Education’s ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative. The announcement was made on May 20, 2025, by Chief Minister Lalduhoma at a special event hosted at Mizoram University, Aizawl, marking a transformative moment in the state’s educational journey.
The declaration was attended by Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary, who applauded the achievement and called it a model for other Indian states. He stated, “Mizoram has shown that when the government and community work hand-in-hand, even the most ambitious goals become achievable.”
A United Effort: Government, Volunteers, and Citizens
The literacy campaign under ULLAS was driven by collaboration and inclusivity. It involved 292 volunteer teachers, including students, educators, and community resource personnel, who reached out to over 1,600 previously non-literate adults. These efforts were carried out in community halls, schools, libraries, and even through door-to-door visits, ensuring that every individual had access to learning opportunities.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma hailed the milestone as more than just a number. “This is not just a statistic—it’s a social transformation. It reflects the discipline, vision, and unity of our people,” he said. He also emphasized the importance of lifelong learning, urging citizens to now focus on digital, financial, and entrepreneurial literacy to ensure all-around development.
Strategic Approach and Grassroots Mobilisation
The foundation for this success was laid through a 2023 door-to-door survey, which identified 3,026 non-literate adults. Out of these, 1,692 actively participated in learning programs. With the support of innovative teaching methods and strong government backing, Mizoram surpassed the 95% literacy threshold set by the Ministry of Education, earning its status as a fully literate state.
Education Department Director Angela Zothanpuii credited the success to persistent grassroots mobilisation and adaptive learning strategies tailored to adult learners. “We focused on dignity, flexibility, and participation to empower each learner,” she noted.
Beyond Literacy: Towards Holistic Empowerment
The ULLAS initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which promotes lifelong learning, emphasizing not just basic literacy but also essential life skills for adults aged 15 and above. Mizoram’s success is now being seen as a blueprint for other states, demonstrating how inclusive, community-based education models can eliminate illiteracy.
As India progresses toward equitable growth, Mizoram’s story stands out as a beacon of hope, cooperation, and vision. It proves that education is not just a right—it is the cornerstone of empowerment, equality, and social unity.
States across the country can now look to Mizoram for inspiration and practical strategies, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of age or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to a better India.
