In a historic milestone, Mizoram has become the first Indian state to achieve full functional literacy, marking a significant leap in the country’s educational progress.
Mizoram Declared Fully Literate, 34 Years After Kerala
Mizoram’s achievement comes 34 years after Kerala was declared the first fully literate state in 1991. While Kerala had long been hailed as a leader in education, Mizoram’s recent success sets a new benchmark, thanks to its impressive 98.4% literacy rate among individuals aged five and above, as reported in the 2022 Periodic Labour Force Survey.
What is Functional Literacy?
Functional literacy refers to the ability to read and write with understanding in any language, enabling individuals to perform day-to-day activities that require reading or writing. The National Literacy Mission defines full literacy as a minimum of 90% literacy across a population—a threshold Mizoram has significantly surpassed.
Mizoram’s Literacy Journey Under ULLAS
Mizoram’s literacy success is credited to the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, a part of the New India Literacy Programme (NILP) launched in 2022. This programme focuses on:
- Foundational literacy and numeracy
- Critical life skills
- Vocational skill development
- Basic education
- Continuing education
The initiative targeted non-literate individuals in the 15–35 age group through a comprehensive door-to-door survey.
Mizoram vs Kerala: Literacy Rate Comparison
While Kerala’s literacy rate stood at 93.91% in the 2011 Census, recent reports show a decline to 91.7% in 2022. In contrast, Mizoram surged ahead with a remarkable 98.4%, showcasing the dynamic nature of literacy development across Indian states.
Community Participation Key to Mizoram’s Success
A key factor in Mizoram’s literacy campaign was community involvement. Over 290 volunteer teachers—including students and local educators—contributed to the mission, conducting classes and assessments. This grassroots approach ensured inclusivity and increased the reach of educational efforts.
Kerala Shifts Focus to Digital Literacy
Kerala is now shifting its focus from basic literacy to digital literacy and awareness of civic rights. Recognizing the demands of a digital era, the state is working towards ensuring all citizens have the skills to engage with technology, digital services, and informed citizenship.
Challenges in Sustaining Literacy
Both Kerala and Mizoram face ongoing challenges in maintaining high literacy levels. Kerala, for example, deals with the influx of migrant and transient populations, which impacts consistent literacy outreach. Experts stress the need for adaptive education strategies to meet evolving societal demands.
Conclusion
Mizoram’s rise as India’s most literate state marks a new chapter in the nation’s educational narrative. As the country moves toward achieving holistic literacy—including digital, functional, and vocational skills—Mizoram sets a powerful example of what sustained community effort, innovative policy, and targeted programs can accomplish.