Agartala, June 23: Tripura has achieved a landmark feat by being declared the third ‘Fully Literate State’ in India, following Mizoram and Goa. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha made the formal declaration on Monday during a celebratory event held at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan in Agartala, calling it a proud moment for the state’s educational journey.
Director Priti Meena from the Union Ministry of Education, along with top state officials, attended the event. The Chief Minister credited the milestone to the tireless efforts of 2,228 volunteer teachers, 943 Social Awareness Centers, and the Youth Literacy Corps comprising students and volunteers.
“Education has reached every corner of Tripura—from tribal villages to hill markets. Some opened schools in courtyards, others taught basic literacy in public spaces,” said Dr. Saha.
Tripura’s literacy journey has seen remarkable progress—from just 20.24% in 1961 to 87.22% in 2011. Now, thanks to the successful implementation of the ‘Ullas – New India Literacy Programme’, the rate has surged to 95.6%, qualifying it for the “fully literate” status.
Unlike earlier campaigns focused merely on teaching people to sign their names, the new initiative emphasizes ‘functional literacy’—covering financial literacy, digital skills, basic math, and essential life knowledge. Educational materials were developed in Bengali, English, and Kokborok to ensure inclusivity, and volunteers received formal training.
The School Education Department, State Literacy Mission Authority, SCERT, retired teachers, and students from various institutions played vital roles in the mission. Committees were formed at state, district, and block levels to guide implementation.
SCERT Director L. Darlong, Director of Secondary Education N.C. Sharma, newly literate citizens, and representatives from all eight districts attended the event. The Chief Minister also presented awards to outstanding individuals and districts in various categories, celebrating the shared success.
