In a landmark achievement for the northeastern region, Tripura is poised to be officially declared a fully literate state, becoming the third in India—after Mizoram and Goa—to reach this milestone. The formal announcement will be made by Chief Minister Manik Saha at a ceremonial event on Monday, June 23, at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala, marking a significant chapter in the state’s educational progress.
Hailed as a major social breakthrough, this declaration underscores Tripura’s strong commitment to education and inclusive literacy. Among Union Territories, Ladakh was the first to attain full literacy.
A senior official from the Education Department attributed the achievement to the effective rollout of the ULLAS – New India Literacy Programme (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society), launched in 2022 under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The programme aims to achieve nationwide adult literacy by 2027.
Tripura’s campaign was led by the School Education Department and coordinated through the State Literacy Mission Authority and SCERT. A wide range of educators—including retired teachers, students from schools and colleges, and trained volunteers have contributed across districts and rural areas. Educational resources were developed in Bengali, English, and Kokborok to accommodate the state’s linguistic diversity.
Officials highlighted the critical role of 2,228 Youth Literacy Corps volunteers and 943 Social Consciousness Centres in reaching even the most remote corners of the state. From informal backyard classes to sessions in distant hilly markets, the initiative broke both geographic and social barriers, impacting thousands.
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24, Tripura’s literacy rate rose from 93.7% to 95.6%, surpassing the 95% benchmark set by the central government for full literacy recognition. This marks a remarkable journey from a mere 20.24% literacy rate in 1961 to 87.22% in the 2011 Census, which had then placed Tripura just behind Kerala and Mizoram.
Unlike earlier campaigns that primarily focused on the ability to sign one’s name, the current literacy mission emphasises functional literacy—covering basic numeracy, digital skills, and financial literacy—thus equipping citizens with essential life skills.
The upcoming event will see attendance from senior officials from both state and central education departments, including Preeti Meena, Director (Adult Education), Ministry of Education, and Raval Hemendra Kumar, Special Secretary (Education), Government of Tripura.
Lalnunnemi Darlong, Director of SCERT, will attend as a special guest. NC Sharma, Director of Secondary and Basic Education and State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha, will preside over the ceremony.