Agartala, June 23: In a proud milestone for the state, Tripura was officially declared India’s third fully literate state on Monday, following Mizoram and Goa. The announcement was made at a state-level event in Agartala by Preeti Meena, Director (Adult Education) from the Union Ministry of Education.
Citing UNESCO standards, Meena said that states achieving over 95% literacy qualify for the “fully literate” designation. Tripura’s literacy rate rose from 93.7% in the 2023–24 Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) to 95.6% through the successful implementation of the centrally sponsored ‘ULLAS – New India Literacy Programme’.
“Under Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), India aims to become fully literate by 2030. Tripura is now leading the way in achieving that target,” she added. Meena urged neo-literates to continue their education to ensure full recognition in the 2027 Census.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who also holds the Education portfolio, credited the collective efforts of citizens, educators, and volunteers. “From a literacy rate of just 20.24% in 1961, Tripura has come a long way. This achievement aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’,” he said.
He emphasized the shift from basic signature literacy to functional literacy, which includes reading, writing, arithmetic, financial awareness, and digital skills.
A senior Education Department official noted that the success of the ULLAS campaign involved 2,228 volunteer teachers, 943 Social Awareness Centres, and thousands of student volunteers reaching even the remotest tribal regions. Educational materials were made available in Bengali, English, and Kokborok.
The initiative saw people teaching in courtyards and hill markets, reflecting grassroots involvement. Senior officials, educators, and community leaders attended the event, celebrating Tripura’s transformative journey in literacy.
