Mizoram Declared India First Fully Literate State

Why in News?

Mizoram Declared India First Fully Literate State, Mizoram achieved a historic milestone by becoming India’s first fully literate state, attaining a literacy rate of 98.2%. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Lalduhoma during a state-level function at Mizoram University in Aizawl, with Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary in attendance.

Important Key Points:

ULLAS/NILP Initiative:
- Program Overview: The achievement was realized under the Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS), also known as the New India Literacy Programme (NILP).
- Targeted Literacy Drive: Surveys identified 3,026 illiterate individuals; 1,692 were enrolled in literacy programs.
- Volunteer Participation: A dedicated team of 292 volunteer educators, including students, teachers, and government staff, facilitated the literacy drive.
Cultural Ethos and Community Involvement:
- Tlawmngaihna Spirit: The Mizo cultural value of Tlawmngaihna—selflessness and altruism—played a pivotal role in mobilizing community efforts.
- Collaborative Effort: The initiative exemplified a seamless integration of government policy and grassroots volunteerism.
Progression in Literacy:
- Historical Data: Mizoram’s literacy rate was 91.33% as per the 2011 Census.
- Current Achievement: The state now boasts a 98.2% literacy rate, surpassing the Ministry of Education’s benchmark of 95% for full literacy.
Future Goals:
- Beyond Basic Literacy: The state aims to expand literacy to include digital, financial, and entrepreneurial skills, ensuring holistic education for all.