Mizoram Full Functional Literacy

Why in news: Mizoram declared a fully literate state, becoming the first state in India to achieve full functional literacy.

• Mizoram recorded 98.20% literacy rate as per the PLFS Survey 2023-24 (above 95% benchmark).
• In 2024, Ladakh became the first administrative unit to declare full functional literacy.
• Goa has become the second state to achieve full functional literacy.
• Ministry of Education considers above 95% literacy rate = Full literacy.
• Achievements due to implementation of ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.
• Kerala declared full literacy in 1991 under National Literacy Mission (>90% literacy rate was old parameter). Kerala is not fully functionally literate but achieved the status of India's first fully digitally literate state in August 2025.
• Literacy: Person aged 7+ years who can read & write with understanding in a language.
• Functional Literacy: Ability to read, write, comprehend and apply information in daily life. Includes tasks like reading instructions, filling forms, using technology, making informed decisions.
• Himachal Pradesh has been declared a “fully literate state,” joining Tripura, Mizoram, Goa, and Ladakh. Literacy was defined as “the ability to read, write, and compute with comprehension”, along with critical life skills like digital and financial literacy. Achieving 95% literacy in a state/UT may be considered equivalent to being fully literate.
• Chandigarh attained 99.93% literacy rate, making it a fully literate Union Territory. Chandigarh is the sixth State/U.T. in the country and the second Union Territory to achieve the feat.
• Success was achieved under ULLAS. Programme helped the city surpass the 95% literacy benchmark set under NEP.

ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme, NILP):

• Defined Literates: Learners who can read, write, do basic math, and have digital & financial literacy.
• Type: Centrally Sponsored Scheme aligned with NEP 2020.
• Target: 5 crore learners (1 crore learners per year) via Online Teaching, Learning & Assessment System (OTLAS).
• OTLAS: A computer application embedded in the Web Portal/Mobile App under ULLAS, developed by NIC.
• Duration: FY 2022-23 to 2026-27. Ministry: Ministry of Education.
• Target Group: Adults aged 15+ who missed formal schooling.
• Components: Foundational Literacy & Numeracy, Critical Life Skills (financial literacy, digital literacy), Basic Education, Vocational Skills, Continuing Education.
• Regional Languages: Access via DIKSHA Portal and ULLAS Mobile App/Portal.
• FLNAT (Foundational Literacy & Numeracy Assessment Test) conducted twice a year/on demand at local schools.
• The scheme is based on the spirit of Kartvya Bodh, and is implemented through volunteerism.