Mizoram India’s First Fully Literate State

Source: CNBC

Context: The Chief Minister of Mizoram officially declared the state as fully literate. With this, Mizoram has become the first state in India to achieve complete literacy.

• Earlier, on 24.06.2024, Ladakh became the first administrative unit to declare full literacy.

About Mizoram India’s First Fully Literate State:

• What is ‘Full Literacy’?

• A state is considered fully literate when its literacy rate exceeds 95%, as per the benchmark defined under the ULLAS scheme. Mizoram achieved a literacy rate of 98.2% as per the PLFS 2023–24, surpassing the threshold. Mizoram (literacy rate in 2011 Census: 91.33%) Initiative Used: Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram under ULLAS

• A state is considered fully literate when its literacy rate exceeds 95%, as per the benchmark defined under the ULLAS scheme.

• Mizoram achieved a literacy rate of 98.2% as per the PLFS 2023–24, surpassing the threshold.

• Mizoram (literacy rate in 2011 Census: 91.33%)

• Initiative Used: Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram under ULLAS

About ULLAS Scheme (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society):

• Launched: FY 2022–2027

• Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme

• Ministry: Ministry of Education

• Budget Outlay: ₹1037.90 crore (₹700 Cr Centre + ₹337.90 Cr State share)

• Objectives:

• Promote inclusive adult education aligning with NEP 2020

• Target non-literates aged 15+ across India

• Enhance functional literacy, digital skills, and vocational learning

• Key Components:

• Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN): Teaches basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills to non-literate adults. Critical Life Skills: Covers essential knowledge like health awareness, financial literacy, and family welfare. Basic Education: Offers education equivalent to primary, middle, and secondary schooling. Vocational Skills: Imparts job-oriented skills to boost employability at the local level. Continuing Education: Provides lifelong learning through cultural, scientific, and recreational courses.

• Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN): Teaches basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills to non-literate adults.

• Critical Life Skills: Covers essential knowledge like health awareness, financial literacy, and family welfare.

• Basic Education: Offers education equivalent to primary, middle, and secondary schooling.

• Vocational Skills: Imparts job-oriented skills to boost employability at the local level.

• Continuing Education: Provides lifelong learning through cultural, scientific, and recreational courses.

• Implementation Features:

• Volunteer-Based Teaching: Uses trained community volunteers as educators for adult learners. Digital-First Delivery: Learning materials are delivered via mobile apps, TV, radio, and online platforms. Enrolment Stats: Over 2.37 crore learners and 40.84 lakh volunteer teachers have registered as of 2025. Assessment Method: Learners are evaluated through the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).

• Volunteer-Based Teaching: Uses trained community volunteers as educators for adult learners.

• Digital-First Delivery: Learning materials are delivered via mobile apps, TV, radio, and online platforms.

• Enrolment Stats: Over 2.37 crore learners and 40.84 lakh volunteer teachers have registered as of 2025.

• Assessment Method: Learners are evaluated through the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT).