Mizoram Becomes India’s First Fully Literate State
State achieves 98.2% literacy under NILP; CM Lalduhoma hails it as a people-powered movement for transformation
In a landmark achievement, Mizoram has become the first fully literate state in India. The official announcement was made during a state-level function at the Mizoram University auditorium in Tanhril, in the presence of Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma hailed the milestone as more than a statistical accomplishment, calling it “a reflection of the Mizo people’s collective belief in the power of education to uplift lives.”
“We have seen young people, working professionals, and elders all contribute their time and energy to this movement. It is truly a people’s programme,” he said.
Looking ahead, the chief minister stated that the state would now focus on promoting lifelong learning, skill development, and digital literacy to meet the evolving demands of the 21st century.
The achievement marks the successful culmination of the New India Literacy Programme (NILP), also known as ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society). The initiative combined government efforts with grassroots volunteerism and has been widely hailed as a model of community-led transformation.
Mizoram, which had a literacy rate of 91.33% in the 2011 Census — the third highest in India — identified 3,026 individuals as illiterate in a fresh NILP survey. Of these, 1,692 were found eligible for basic literacy interventions and enrolled in the programme.
According to the state’s education department, a thorough evaluation confirmed Mizoram’s overall literacy rate had reached 98.2%, the highest in the country. With this, the state was formally declared fully literate — a milestone celebrated across all eight districts.
Mizoram, which became the 23rd state of India on February 20, 1987, spans 21,081 square kilometres and has consistently led in human development indicators in the Northeast. A strong civil society and a cultural emphasis on learning have helped the state maintain high literacy and school enrolment rates.
During the felicitation event, several newly literate individuals shared their stories, describing how literacy has transformed their confidence and social engagement.
Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary lauded the state for its achievement. “This is the kind of collaborative spirit our country needs. Mizoram has shown what’s possible when policy meets passion,” he said.
