Tripura Declared Fully Literate State: 95.6% Literacy Rate, Third in India

Introduction

Literacy is no longer just the ability to sign one’s name—it now encompasses foundational numeracy, banking know-how and digital skills. Under the ULLAS – New India Literacy Programme, India is equipping citizens with these essential lifelong learning competencies. Today, Tripura’s remarkable ascent from a mere 20.24% literacy rate in 1961 to 95.6% effective literacy epitomises this transformation.

India’s Literacy Initiatives

• ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society): Launched under NEP 2020 to achieve universal adult literacy by 2027, ULLAS focuses on foundational learning and practical life skills.
• National Framework: Centres on basic mathematics for everyday tasks, banking transactions, and digital literacy to foster socio-economic inclusion.

Tripura’s Literacy Journey

1. 1961 Baseline: Literacy at just 20.24%.
2. 2011 Milestone: Rose to 87.22%, ranking behind Kerala and Mizoram.
3. PLFS 2023–24: Initial survey showed 93.7%, which climbed to 95.6% through targeted ULLAS interventions.
4. Grassroots Mobilisation:
   • 943 Social Consciousness Centres established across both rural and urban areas.
   • 2,228 Youth Literacy Corps volunteers (retired teachers, students and community members) brought education to every hamlet.

The Historic Declaration

On 23 June 2025, at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan, Agartala, Honourable Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha officially declared Tripura as the country’s third “Fully Literate State”, following Goa and Mizoram. The ceremony, organised by the School Education Department, was also attended by senior officials from both state and central education ministries.

Who’s Who

• Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha — Chief Minister & Education Minister, Government of Tripura
• Preeti Meena — Director (Adult Education), Ministry of Education, Government of India
• Raval Hemendra Kumar — Special Secretary (Education), Government of Tripura

Key Takeaways

• Literacy Transformation: From 20.24% in 1961 to 95.6% effective literacy in 2023–24.
• ULLAS Impact: Practical focus on numeracy, banking and digital skills ensured meaningful, lifelong learning.
• Community Effort: 943 centres and over 2,200 volunteers drove the campaign to remote areas.
• Fully Literate Status: Officially declared on 23 June 2025 at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan.

Important for Exams

• Historical Rates: 1961 — 20.24%; 2011 — 87.22%.
• PLFS 2023–24 Statistic: Achieved 95.6% effective literacy.
• ULLAS Components: Social Consciousness Centres, Youth Literacy Corps.
• Declaration Details: Date – 23 June 2025; Venue – Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan, Agartala.