'Proud milestone for nation': Dharmendra Pradhan lauds Mizoram on becoming first fully literate state
New Delhi [India], May 21 (ANI): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday congratulated the people of Mizoram on being declared India's first fully literate state under the ULLAS - Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.
In a post on X, Pradhan described the development as 'a momentous and proud milestone in the State's educational journey and also a moment of great pride for the nation.' He credited the achievement to the 'collaborative efforts and resolve of the people and Govt. of Mizoram,' and expressed hope that it would inspire all States and Union Territories to promote inclusive and lifelong learning to realise the vision of Viksit Bharat.
The Ministry of Education also took to X to mark the announcement, calling it 'a testament to the people's commitment to education and the tireless efforts of volunteers driving adult literacy.'
The declaration was made during a special function in Aizawl attended by Minister of State for Education and Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary, along with Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma.
The milestone marks a significant moment in the country's literacy movement under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) initiative, through which Mizoram was officially recognised as India's first fully literate state.
The recognition came as Mizoram achieved the minimum literacy rate of 95 per cent mandated by the Ministry of Education's ULLAS programme.
According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS 2023-2024), Mizoram's literacy rate is 98.2 per cent.
This landmark achievement is the result of sustained efforts by the School Education Department, particularly through Samagra Shiksha and the New India Literacy Programme (Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram).
The State Government established a Governing Council and Executive Committee under the State Literacy Mission Authority, with the State Project Office under Samagra Shiksha Mizoram spearheading the initiative.
To support the mission, the State Centre for Literacy (SCL) was set up under SCERT. It developed Mizo language learning materials titled Vartian, along with an English version for learners in the Lawngtlai district. Additional resources, such as Romei for learners and Margdarshikha for Volunteer Teachers, were created
Cluster Resource Centre Coordinators (CRCCs) acted as surveyors for the New India Literacy Programme, identifying 3,026 illiterate individuals aged 15 and above, of whom 1,692 expressed a willingness to learn.
District Project Offices recruited 292 Volunteer Teachers to conduct regular classes in schools, community halls, YMA libraries, and even in learners' homes when needed.
With literacy rates now at 98.2 per cent, Mizoram stands tall as the first state to be recognised under ULLAS as fully literate -- a beacon of educational progress and inclusive development in India. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Covid likely to surge, people should follow guidelines: Soumya Swaminathan
Trichy: People should follow Covid guidelines as the virus is likely to stay and surge in months, chairperson of MSSRF Chairperson and advisor to Union ministry of health and family welfare Dr Soumya Swaminathan said on Monday. Soumya Swaminathan participated in the launch of the livelihood support programme for small-scale fishermen at MSSRF Fish For All Research and Training Center in Poompuhar, Mayiladuthurai district. Responding to questions from reporters about the spread of Covid-19, Soumya Swaminathan said, "There are possibilities of Covid-19 surge every six to eight months. The virus is here to stay with us, just like the common cold. People should be careful and follow Covid-19 guidelines." Stating that the virus spreading among people is likely to cause mild effects, Soumya Swaminathan said, "Elders and those with underlying health conditions need to be more careful, however." On Covid vaccination, Soumya Swaminathan said the vaccines were safe and are less likely to cause side effects any more. "Those who had contracted Covid earlier, may have reactions to comorbidities," she added. Earlier, MSSRF began an initiative for five villages in Mayiladuthurai and Cuddalore districts. Head of the centre, S Velvizhi stated that training and development activities would be conducted for 1,500 families in the next three years. Addressing MSSRF's upcoming projects, Soumya Swaminathan said, "We are starting new research on the impact of prolonged heat and humidity on the health of fisherfolk in coastal districts." She added that MSSRF is developing an early warning tool integrated with artificial intelligence for fisherfolk to warn them about the health impact. She further stated that fisherfolk have a high possibility of high blood pressure and diabetes due to exposure to salty wind and consumption of salty food, according to surveys. "People should have a check-up once a year and keep their blood pressure under control," she said.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Centre has done little to support tobacco farmers: Minister
Mysuru: The Union govt earns over Rs 13,000 crore in tax revenue from tobacco cultivated in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, yet it has done little to support the farmers who grow it—especially during times of distress, said minister for animal husbandry and sericulture K Venkatesh. Speaking at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Tobacco Institute of India's Tobacco Farmers Awards, held here on Tuesday, Venkatesh, who represents Periyapatna where tobacco is a major commercial crop, emphasised the plight of tobacco farmers. "Due to heavy rain, many farmers are suffering losses. The manure they applied was washed away, forcing them to reapply it—adding to their expenses. It is the duty of Union govt and the Tobacco Board to step in during such times," he said. Venkatesh, himself a tobacco farmer for over 60 years, noted that while farmers struggle, tobacco-dependent industries continue to earn massive profits. "Most farmers are incurring losses. Yet, the companies that rely on tobacco are making huge gains," he added. Despite discussions on banning tobacco, farmers are unwilling to abandon the crop, citing a lack of viable alternatives. He also pointed out that nearly half of Karnataka's tobacco is produced in a single taluk—Periyapatna—and stressed that such a high-revenue crop deserves more govt attention. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dermatologista recomenda: simples truque elimina o fungo facilmente Acabe com o Fungo Undo Venkatesh cautioned farmers against growing a second tobacco crop in the same season, saying it often leads to greater losses. Mysore MP Yaduveer Wadiyar highlighted the need to reduce the high cost of tobacco production and urged for the adoption of modern technology. "Production costs are rising. Farmers need innovative methods to reduce expenses," he said. Wadiyar proposed an eco-friendly alternative to traditional firewood used in curing tobacco. "Currently, tobacco farmers use a lot of firewood. If they switch to lantana—a plant that is invasive and harmful to forests—it could help reduce environmental damage, while also cutting costs," he suggested. At the event, ten farmers from Karnataka were honoured across four categories. Sharad Tandan, director, TII, said India is the second largest tobacco producer in the world and the third largest producer of Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco, following China and Brazil. India is a leading leaf tobacco exporter in the world, exporting tobacco to more than 100 countries across the globe. "A significant challenge impacting the legal industry and the domestic tobacco growers is the large illegal cigarette trade. India is the fourth largest illicit cigarette market globally and results in an annual revenue loss of Rs 21,000 crore to the govt," added Tandan. Yashwanth Kumar Chidipothu, chairman of Tobacco Board, BC Srinivas, director (auctions), Tobacco Board, and S Ramakrishnan, principal scientist and head, CTRI Research Station, Hunsur, were present.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Gadkari conferred with honorary doctorate in Doon, assures support to tackle traffic snarls
Dehradun: Union minister for road transport and highways Nitin Gadkari was conferred with an honorary doctorate during the 12th convocation ceremony of Graphic Era (deemed to be) University in Dehradun on Tuesday. At the event, degrees were awarded to 3,142 students. In his address, the minister acknowledged the issue of traffic congestion in the capital and assured the state govt of full support from the centre, once formal proposals are submitted. "These degrees are not just a symbol of knowledge but also a reminder of the responsibility to be good citizens and to contribute to society. Young people are the future of our nation, and India possesses the highest-skilled workforce globally," said Gadkari. He emphasised the importance of integrating higher education with a value-based system. "Even waste can be transformed into wealth with the right vision and technology. Hydrogen is the fuel of the future, and the most economical way to produce it is from organic waste. India is a hub of talent and research, and soon we will be pioneers in this sector along with business and social leadership," he added. Gadkari highlighted the need to focus on improving domestic happiness index, adding that real technological progress would be achieved when the country's 1.5 crore manual rickshaw drivers have access to humane, mechanised e-rickshaws and carts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami praised the infrastructure projects credited to Gadkari, such as expressways, green corridors, and logistic hubs, calling them a part of the "new identity" of our nation. "Uttarakhand has received full cooperation from the centre when needed. We were the first state to implement a stringent anti-cheating law. Through the implementation of NEP and the establishment of hubs for AI, big data, and scientific research, we aim to become a leading state in higher education. Our goal is to prepare our youth for the future," said the CM. Education minister Dhan Singh Rawat, along with several other politicians and bureaucrats, also attended the event.
