HT Correspondent
AGARTALA, June 22: Tripura is poised to script a historic milestone as it becomes the third state in India to achieve full literacy, following Mizoram and Goa.
The official declaration will be made by Chief Minister Manik Saha on June 23 at a formal ceremony to be held at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala.
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Confirming the development, an official from the Education Department said, “Tripura becomes the third state in India to attain full literacy, after Mizoram and Goa. Among Union Territories, Ladakh holds the distinction of being the first to achieve this feat. This is a monumental social achievement that reflects the state’s unwavering commitment to education.”
This accomplishment has been made possible through the effective implementation of the ULLAS – New India Literacy Programme (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society), launched in 2022 under the National Education Policy 2020.
The programme aims to achieve universal adult literacy in India by 2027.
Tripura’s School Education Department led the initiative, with coordination from the State Literacy Mission Authority and SCERT.
The mission mobilized retired teachers, school and college students, and trained volunteers at various levels.
Study materials were developed in Bengali, English, and Kokborok to ensure linguistic inclusivity.
A total of 2,228 volunteers under the Youth Literacy Corps and 943 Social Consciousness Centres were instrumental in extending education to the state’s remotest areas.
“From informal backyard classes to literacy sessions in hilly market zones, the campaign reached across social and geographic boundaries. According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24, Tripura’s literacy rate rose from 93.7% to 95.6%, surpassing the 95% threshold set by the central government for full literacy,” the official added.
Tripura’s literacy journey has been long and determined.
In 1961, the literacy rate was a mere 20.24%.
It gradually improved to 87.22% by the 2011 Census, placing Tripura just behind Kerala and Mizoram.
While earlier campaigns focused largely on the ability to sign names, the present literacy drive emphasizes functional literacy—including basic mathematics, digital transactions, and financial awareness.
The event on June 23 will be graced by several dignitaries from the central and state education departments. Preeti Meena, Director (Adult Education), Ministry of Education, Government of India, and Raval Hemendra Kumar, Special Secretary (Education), Government of Tripura, will attend as guests of honour.
Lalnunnemi Darlong, Director, SCERT, will be the special guest, and N C Sharma, Director, Secondary and Basic Education and State Project Director, Samagra Shiksha, will preside over the function.
