"Historic moment": CM Manik Saha after Tripura declared as third 'fully literate' state in India

Agartala (Tripura) [India], June 23 (ANI): Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday said that the declaration of Tripura as fully literate was a "historic moment". He said everyone should be encouraged to study, and emphasis should be given to improving the skills of newly literate citizens and fostering self-reliance.
"Literacy in the country is very important for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047. The declaration of Tripura as the third fully literate state in the country is a historic moment. The Education Department must now focus on further increasing the literacy rate in Tripura," Saha said.
The CM said this at the declaration event and celebrations organised under the 'ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society)' - New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram) held at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan today.
Saha said that today marks a truly historic moment for everyone, as Tripura has become the third state in the country to achieve full literacy.
"This is a matter of great pride for us and will be remembered as a milestone. Earlier, Mizoram and Goa had achieved the status of fully literate states. I congratulate all those who have worked tirelessly to implement this campaign, including the Education Department. Prime Minister Narendra Modi always speaks about Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas. Today, we have witnessed that spirit in action. Our goal is to ensure that the benefits of public welfare schemes reach the last person in society," he said.
Saha, who also serves as Tripura Education Minister, added that the Union Ministry of Education provided the framework for the campaign's success and extended all possible support.
The Chief Minister noted that according to the 1961 census, the literacy rate in Tripura was only 20.24 per cent. It increased to 60.44 per cent in 1991, 73.19 per cent in 2001, and 87.22 per cent in 2011.
"The Nav Bharat Literacy Programme is progressing through the ULLAS initiative. In the 2023-24 financial year, the literacy rate reached 93.7 per cent, and in 2024-25, it rose to 95.6 per cent. However, this rate may increase further with a more comprehensive survey. Therefore, the Education Department must play an even more effective role in advancing this campaign," he said.
The Chief Minister also emphasised that when parents in a household are illiterate, they want their children to study--and now, educated children also want their parents to learn.
"Education is essential for everyone. In this regard, the Education Department must come forward to support those still distant from the light of education. The literacy campaign is a social movement. It cannot succeed with just a few teachers or trainers; it requires collective participation. There is joy in learning to read and write. Under the ULLAS program, about 943 Social Consciousness Centres have been established in every block and village of the state. Around 2,228 volunteer teachers are involved in this initiative. Additionally, school and college students and retired teachers are also contributing. Through combined efforts of all, we can build a better Tripura," he said.
Saha further mentioned that on March 17, 2024, a total of 4,597 people took the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test, out of which 3,581 passed. On December 29 of the same year, out of 14,179 candidates, 13,909 passed the test. In March this year, 5,819 out of 5,896 candidates passed.
The event was attended by special guests Preeti Meena, Director (Adult Education) of the Union Ministry of Education; Raval Hemendra Kumar, Special Secretary, Department of Education; Director of Education NC Sharma, Director of SCERT L Darlong, along with eminent educationists and senior officials of the department. (ANI)