By Masala Mirror Staff | Published: June 24, 2025

Agartala: In a landmark achievement, Tripura has been declared India’s third fully literate state, following Mizoram and Goa, with a literacy rate of 95.6%. The announcement, made by the Union Ministry of Education on June 23, 2025, marks a historic milestone for the northeastern state, which has surpassed the UNESCO-defined benchmark of 95% literacy for individuals aged 15 and above. Chief Minister Manik Saha hailed the achievement as a proud moment, crediting the success to the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme).

A Remarkable Journey from 20.24% to 95.6%

Tripura’s literacy rate has seen a dramatic rise from just 20.24% in 1961 to 95.6% in 2024-25, according to the latest data from the ULLAS programme. Speaking at a ceremony at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala, CM Saha noted, “This is a historic milestone in Tripura’s journey towards complete literacy.” He emphasized that literacy is crucial for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047. The state’s literacy rate was 87.22% in the 2011 Census, making it the third-most literate state at the time, behind Kerala and Mizoram.

The ULLAS programme, launched in 2022 and aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, targets adults aged 15 and above who missed formal schooling. In Tripura, 23,184 illiterate adults were identified and provided with foundational literacy, numeracy, and life skills through community-driven efforts. Preeti Meena, Director of Adult Education at the Union Ministry of Education, praised the state’s efforts, stating, “Tripura’s achievement is a step toward India’s goal of full literacy by 2030, as per the Sustainable Development Goals.”

How Tripura Achieved Full Literacy

Tripura’s success stems from a robust implementation of the ULLAS programme, which goes beyond basic reading and writing to include digital literacy, financial awareness, and vocational skills. Key initiatives included:

• Community Mobilization: Over 2,228 volunteer teachers and 943 Social Awareness Centres reached remote areas, with some conducting classes in courtyards and hill markets.
• Multilingual Education: Materials were prepared in Bengali, English, and the tribal Kokborok language to ensure inclusivity.
• Digital Tools: The ULLAS mobile app and DIKSHA platform facilitated learning, especially in rural areas.
• Youth Involvement: Students and the Youth Literacy Corps played a pivotal role as volunteers.

Raval H. Kumar, Special Secretary of Tripura’s Education Department, thanked the central government for logistical and funding support, which was instrumental in achieving this milestone.

What Does Full Literacy Mean?

According to UNESCO and the ULLAS scheme, a state is considered fully literate when its literacy rate exceeds 95% among individuals aged 15 and above. Tripura’s 95.6% literacy rate, up from 93.7% in the 2023-24 Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), reflects functional literacy, encompassing reading, writing, basic arithmetic, and practical life skills. Meena urged neo-literates to continue learning to ensure Tripura retains its status in the 2027 Census.

National and Regional Context

Mizoram was the first state to achieve full literacy on May 20, 2025, with a 98.2% literacy rate, followed by Goa on May 30, with 99.72%. Ladakh is the only Union Territory to attain full literacy under ULLAS, with a rate above 97%. Tripura’s achievement highlights the Northeast’s growing prominence in education, with the state also ranking second in per capita income and GDP among northeastern states.

CM Saha emphasized the inclusive nature of the programme, sharing stories like that of an elderly woman who passed the literacy test, symbolizing the transformative impact of ULLAS. “This is more than a literacy campaign—it’s a social movement,” he said.

Looking Ahead

Tripura’s Education Department now aims to sustain and enhance literacy through continued skill development and digital education. Saha urged neo-literates to keep reading and writing to contribute to India’s development goals. The state’s achievement has sparked celebrations across social media, with posts on X calling it a “proud moment for the Northeast.”

For the latest updates on Tripura’s literacy milestone and other breaking news, visit Masala Mirror.

Keywords: Tripura fully literate state, India third literate state, Mizoram Goa literacy, ULLAS programme, Tripura 95.6% literacy, Viksit Bharat 2047, Northeast India education, Manik Saha literacy milestone

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