Tripura has officially become the third fully literate state in India with a literacy rate of 95.6%, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha announced on Monday. The state now follows Mizoram and Goa in achieving this milestone, as per the latest data from the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram.
The announcement was made at a programme held at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala, in the presence of Ministry of Education Secretary Priti Mina, Tripura Education Department Secretary Raval Hamendra Kumar, SCERT Director L. Darlong, Secondary Education Director N.C. Sharma, and other dignitaries.
Dr. Saha stated that a state is considered fully literate when it achieves a literacy rate above 95%. He highlighted that the definition of literacy has evolved from merely being able to sign one’s name to encompassing foundational literacy and numeracy, reading, writing, basic arithmetic, critical life skills, vocational skills, and continuing education.
Detailing the state’s progress over the decades, he shared that the literacy rate in Tripura was 20.24% in 1961. It rose to 60.44% in 1991, reached 73.19% in 2001, and stood at 87.22% in 2011. According to the Labour Force Survey 2023–24, the rate increased to 93.7% and has now reached 95.6% in 2024–25.
In order to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, literacy is essential. Without complete literacy, our goal will remain unfulfilled. I urge the Education Department to focus on reaching every household to achieve 100% literacy, Dr. Saha said.
He shared data on the Foundation Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Tests, noting that 4,597 candidates appeared for the test on March 17, 2023, with 3,581 passing. On December 29, 2023, 14,179 candidates appeared and 13,909 passed. The latest test on March 23, 2024, saw 5,896 candidates, of whom 5,819 cleared the exam.
The programme is being implemented with the help of 2,228 volunteers and supported by 943 Samajik Chetana Kendras across the state.
Dr. Saha also noted Tripura’s broader developmental progress, highlighting that the state ranks second in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) after Assam and in per capita income after Sikkim among the northeastern states.
