Tripura has officially become India’s third fully literate state, following Goa and Mizoram. Achieving a 95.6% literacy rate under the ULLAS programme, this milestone reflects grassroots efforts, inclusive planning, and visionary governance. The announcement by CM Manik Saha marks a historic moment in India’s literacy movement.
Tripura is all set to achieve a monumental feat in the field of education. On Monday, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha will formally declare the state as fully literate, making it the third state in India to earn this prestigious recognition after Mizoram and Goa. The historic declaration will be attended by senior officials from the Union Ministry of Education, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey towards universal literacy.
This declaration follows the successful implementation of the ‘ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – New India Literacy Programme’, launched by the Government of India in 2022 under the National Education Policy 2020. The initiative aims to ensure that every adult in India attains functional literacy by 2027. Tripura has emerged as a front-runner in this mission, thanks to intensive grassroots efforts, wide community participation, and government commitment.
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) report for 2023–24, Tripura’s literacy rate stood at 93.7 per cent. With recent advancements under the ULLAS campaign, this figure has now surged to 95.6 per cent — meeting the central government’s criterion for “fully literate” status, which is above 95 per cent literacy.
The journey to this success story began decades ago. In 1961, Tripura had a dismal literacy rate of just 20.24 per cent. Through consistent efforts and educational reforms, the state saw its literacy rise to 87.22 per cent by the 2011 Census, then becoming the third most literate state in India after Kerala and Mizoram. However, earlier literacy drives largely focused on enabling people to sign their names — basic literacy. The present government has significantly expanded this scope.
Unlike past campaigns, the current literacy drive prioritised functional literacy, covering financial literacy, digital literacy, basic arithmetic, and day-to-day communication skills. This made education not just a formality but a practical tool for empowerment.
The state’s success story is attributed to the School Education Department, State Literacy Mission Authority, SCERT (State Council of Educational Research and Training), and the dedicated participation of thousands of individuals — including retired teachers, college and school students, and specially trained personnel. Their collaborative efforts ensured that education reached every corner of the state — from remote hills to bustling urban centers.
Committees were formed at the state, district, and block levels to streamline the implementation. Educational materials were prepared in multiple languages — Bengali, English, and tribal Kokborok — to ensure inclusivity. 2,228 volunteer teachers were deployed through 943 Social Awareness Centers, supported by the Youth Literacy Corps.
Some teachers held classes in their courtyards, while others taught literacy skills in remote hill markets, symbolising a people-led movement. This decentralised and participative model has become the hallmark of Tripura’s success.
What distinguishes Tripura’s effort is not just the number but the depth and inclusivity of the campaign. Literacy was not viewed as an end in itself, but as a means to empower individuals to participate in the economy, engage with technology, and make informed decisions. This focus on lifelong learning aligns seamlessly with the spirit of the NEP 2020, which envisions an inclusive, equitable, and learner-centric education system.
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As Tripura steps into the elite group of fully literate states, this achievement stands as a beacon of hope for other regions striving for educational transformation. The official described Monday’s announcement as “a shining example of revolutionary social achievement,” backed by hard work, empathy, and the collective will of the people.
This milestone not only brings immense pride to the people of Tripura but also showcases how a well-planned, community-driven approach can bring about transformative change. The declaration is expected to inspire states and UTs across India to adopt similar models and accelerate the nation’s journey towards full literacy.
