Latest news with #NewIndiaLiteracyProgramme
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
How to move mountains
In an age of widening social inequities, a quiet revolution has unfolded in the country's Northeast. Mizoram has become India's first fully literate state under the Centre's ULLAS — New India Literacy Programme. According to the latest data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey, 98.2 per cent of Mizo citizens aged seven and above are now literate — well above the national average of 80.9 per cent, and ahead even of Kerala, long celebrated for its human development achievements. The story behind Mizoram's achievement is not one of top-down technocracy alone. It speaks of a broader, more holistic model of inclusive development that involves patient, community-led work or what Mizos recognise as tlawmngaihna. It is a story of volunteers who braved remote locations and poor connectivity to bring literacy to the last mile, and of individuals who aspired to be more. The result is success in an area where India has long struggled: Adult and functional literacy. Rural literacy in Mizoram stands at 98.1 per cent, while urban areas reach 98.3 per cent, indicating almost no urban-rural divide, an anomaly in a country where the gap often exceeds 15 percentage points. Mizoram ranks high on other important indicators as well. It boasts the third-highest female workforce participation rate in the country. Its sex ratio at birth (975 females per 1,000 males) surpasses the national average (929). It has the lowest infant mortality rate in the Northeast, and one of India's highest school attendance rates at both primary and secondary levels. While size is a defining factor, in India, where development is often equated with urban growth, there is a lesson here for larger and more resource-rich states. Mizoram shows that policy nimbleness is often a function of intent and accountability, that investing in people, trusting local institutions, and building with community at the centre can move mountains. As India looks to a digital, green and global future, the path ahead must concern itself with the dignity and agency of all, including and especially those on the margins.
India Gazette
24-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
46th episode of 'Mukhyamantri Samipeshu' concludes; CM Manik Saha directs officials to take prompt action on public grievances
Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 24 (ANI): The 46th episode of the public outreach initiative Mukhyamantri Samipeshu--launched to address citizens' grievances--was successfully concluded on Tuesday. As part of the program, Chief Minister Manik Saha personally listened to various problems and complaints brought forward by residents from different subdivisions of the state. Taking note of each issue, the Chief Minister issued immediate directives to concerned officials, urging them to take necessary and prompt steps to resolve the matters. The initiative continues to serve as a bridge between the government and the people, ensuring that citizens' concerns are heard at the highest level and addressed with priority. This outreach effort has received positive feedback from citizens across the state, with many appreciating the transparent and responsive governance model it promotes. Earlier, CM Manik Saha on Monday said that the declaration of Tripura as fully literate was a 'historic moment'. He said everyone should be encouraged to study, and emphasis should be given to improving the skills of newly literate citizens and fostering self-reliance. 'Literacy in the country is very important for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The declaration of Tripura as the third fully literate state in the country is a historic moment. The Education Department must now focus on further increasing the literacy rate in Tripura,' Saha said. The CM said this at the declaration event and celebrations organised under the 'ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society)' - New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram) held at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan today. Saha said that today marks a truly historic moment for everyone, as Tripura has become the third state in the country to achieve full literacy. (ANI)
Scroll.in
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Scroll.in
Tripura becomes third state after Mizoram, Goa to be declared fully literate
Tripura has become the third state in the country after Mizoram and Goa to achieve full functional literacy, the Union government declared on Monday. The Union Ministry of Education said that the state was declared fully literate under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram or the New India Literacy Programme, a centrally sponsored scheme focused on adult literacy implemented in 2022. Addressing a gathering on the occasion in Agartala, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha described the status as 'a historic milestone in Tripura's journey towards complete literacy'. He said that the literacy rate had reached 95.6%, which was a 'remarkable leap' from 20.24% in 1961. States need to achieve a nationally prescribed benchmark of 95% literacy among persons aged 15 and above to be recognised as fully literate. Preeti Meena, director of the Union Ministry of Education's Adult Literacy Department, said that the Union government had set a goal to make India fully literate by 2030, PTI reported. 'In Tripura, we identified 23,184 illiterate adults and provided them with support to help achieve this goal," she said.
India Gazette
23-06-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Historic moment": CM Manik Saha after Tripura declared as third 'fully literate' state in India
Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 23 (ANI): Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday said that the declaration of Tripura as fully literate was a 'historic moment'. He said everyone should be encouraged to study, and emphasis should be given to improving the skills of newly literate citizens and fostering self-reliance. 'Literacy in the country is very important for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The declaration of Tripura as the third fully literate state in the country is a historic moment. The Education Department must now focus on further increasing the literacy rate in Tripura,' Saha said. The CM said this at the declaration event and celebrations organised under the 'ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society)' - New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram) held at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan today. Saha said that today marks a truly historic moment for everyone, as Tripura has become the third state in the country to achieve full literacy. 'This is a matter of great pride for us and will be remembered as a milestone. Earlier, Mizoram and Goa had achieved the status of fully literate states. I congratulate all those who have worked tirelessly to implement this campaign, including the Education Department. Prime Minister Narendra Modi always speaks about Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas. Today, we have witnessed that spirit in action. Our goal is to ensure that the benefits of public welfare schemes reach the last person in society,' he said. Saha, who also serves as Tripura Education Minister, added that the Union Ministry of Education provided the framework for the campaign's success and extended all possible support. The Chief Minister noted that according to the 1961 census, the literacy rate in Tripura was only 20.24 per cent. It increased to 60.44 per cent in 1991, 73.19 per cent in 2001, and 87.22 per cent in 2011. 'The Nav Bharat Literacy Programme is progressing through the ULLAS initiative. In the 2023-24 financial year, the literacy rate reached 93.7 per cent, and in 2024-25, it rose to 95.6 per cent. However, this rate may increase further with a more comprehensive survey. Therefore, the Education Department must play an even more effective role in advancing this campaign,' he said. The Chief Minister also emphasised that when parents in a household are illiterate, they want their children to study--and now, educated children also want their parents to learn. 'Education is essential for everyone. In this regard, the Education Department must come forward to support those still distant from the light of education. The literacy campaign is a social movement. It cannot succeed with just a few teachers or trainers; it requires collective participation. There is joy in learning to read and write. Under the ULLAS program, about 943 Social Consciousness Centres have been established in every block and village of the state. Around 2,228 volunteer teachers are involved in this initiative. Additionally, school and college students and retired teachers are also contributing. Through combined efforts of all, we can build a better Tripura,' he said. Saha further mentioned that on March 17, 2024, a total of 4,597 people took the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test, out of which 3,581 passed. On December 29 of the same year, out of 14,179 candidates, 13,909 passed the test. In March this year, 5,819 out of 5,896 candidates passed. The event was attended by special guests Preeti Meena, Director (Adult Education) of the Union Ministry of Education; Raval Hemendra Kumar, Special Secretary, Department of Education; Director of Education NC Sharma, Director of SCERT L Darlong, along with eminent educationists and senior officials of the department. (ANI)
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Tripura becomes 3rd fully literate state
Agartala: Tripura has become the third state to become 'fully literate' after Goa and Mizoram, achieving a literacy rate of 95.6%. Announcing the milestone during a ceremony on Monday, chief minister Manik Saha — who also holds the education portfolio — hailed the achievement as a new benchmark in India's pursuit of universal education. Earlier literacy programmes focused mainly based on basic signature skills, but the new approach goes beyond that to functional literacy. The goal was not just to teach basic reading and writing, but also to equip people with practical skills in financial literacy, digital transactions, arithmetic, and more — through well-planned initiatives, he said. According to the report of Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023-24, Tripura's literacy rate stood at 93.7%. However, it crossed the 95% mark due to the success of the 'ULLAS' campaign. As per central govt criteria, states or Union Territories that surpass 95% literacy qualify as fully literate. Tripura implemented the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme) to identify and educate non-literate individuals. The programme focused on five components: foundational literacy and numeracy, critical life skills, basic education, vocational skills, and continuing education. Tripura has achieved all the components and has been recognised for its distinguished status. "Launched in 2022 in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, ULLAS aims to make every adult in India literate by 2027. Tripura has been at the forefront of this mission with well-coordinated and dedicated efforts," Saha added. Director of secondary education NC Sharma said several committees were formed earlier at state, district, and block levels to implement the programme. Educational materials were prepared in Bengali, English, and Kokborok, and specially trained teachers and students were engaged as volunteers. Through the tireless efforts of 2,228 volunteer teachers, 943 social awareness centres, and active participation from the Youth Literacy Corps, literacy has reached even the remotest corners of Tripura. "The experience has been incredible — some taught in courtyards, others in local markets. The journey to this milestone wasn't easy," Sharma said. In 1961, the state's literacy rate was just 20.24%. Overcoming numerous challenges, it steadily rose to 87.22% in the 2011 Census, ranking Tripura as the third most literate state after Kerala and Mizoram.
