Tripura has finally achieved a literacy rate of 95.6%, making it the third most literate state in the nation, after Mizoram and Goa. This announcement came directly from the Chief Minister of Tripura, Manik Saha.
Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha made the announcement at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala, citing recent data from ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society)-Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram. The event was attended by Priti Mina, the secretary of the Ministry of Education, Raval Hamendra Kumar, the secretary of the Tripura Education Department, SCERT L Darlong, NC Sharma, the director of Secondary Education, and other individuals.
Literacy Program Now Covers More Than Just Signatures
According to Saha, the literacy program earlier focused only on teaching people how to sign their names. However, it has now expanded to include foundational literacy and numeracy skills such as reading, writing, and basic math. In addition, it covers critical life skills, vocational training, continuing education, and the ongoing process of skill development.
State’s Literacy Rate Has Risen Steadily
Saha explained the steady rise in the state’s literacy rate over the years. It was just 20.24% in 1961, then increased to 60.44% in 1991, and further rose to 73.19% in 2001. By 2011, the literacy rate had gone up to 87.22%. As per the Labour Force Survey conducted in 2023–2024, the literacy rate reached 93.7%, and in 2024–2025, it further increased to 95.6%.
Literacy is Essential for a Developed India
Saha emphasized the importance of literacy for national progress. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of building a Viksit Bharat by 2047, he said that the country cannot achieve that goal unless the issue of illiteracy is fully addressed. He stressed the need for literacy in every household and mentioned that he would urge the Education Department to reach out to the remaining people in the state who are yet to become literate.
Encouraging Results in Literacy Tests
Saha also shared details about the Foundation Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Tests. On March 17 last year, 3,581 out of 4,597 examinees passed the test. Later, on December 29, 14,179 people took the test, and 13,909 of them passed. This year, on March 23, 5,896 people appeared for the test, and 5,819 passed successfully.
The state’s literacy initiative is being supported by 943 Samajik Chetana Kendras, or social awareness centres, across the region. These centres are run with the help of a total of 2,228 dedicated volunteers who are working to promote literacy.
Tripura’s Progress in Other Sectors
Saha also pointed out that Tripura is witnessing overall development. He noted that the state ranks second in the Northeast in terms of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), just after Assam, and holds the second position in per capita income, following Sikkim.
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