Tripura is on the brink of making history by becoming officially declared a fully literate state, alongside Mizoram and Goa, in a rare national achievement. The Chief Minister, Dr. Manik Saha, is set to make this announcement at a significant event at the Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhawan in Agartala.
An official from the Education Department confirmed that Tripura is now the third Indian state to achieve full literacy, with Ladakh being the first among Union Territories. This milestone underscores a significant achievement in the state’s social development.
This accomplishment is a result of the ULLAS – New India Literacy Programme, which was launched in 2022 as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The program aims to achieve universal adult literacy in India by 2027. Tripura’s campaign was led by the State Literacy Mission Authority and SCERT, with the involvement of retired teachers, student volunteers, and community educators. Learning materials were provided in multiple languages to ensure inclusivity.
However, Pradyot Bikram Manikya Debbarma, the founder of TIPRA Motha and a royal scion, offered a critical perspective. In response to congratulatory messages on social media, he stated, “Makes no sense if you remain one of the poorest states! Scribbling your name on paper does not lead to literacy in the truest form.”
His comments have sparked a broader discussion on the quality and depth of literacy in India’s northeast. This has raised important questions about whether economic and social development are keeping pace with such educational milestones. As Tripura celebrates its achievement in literacy, it is clear that there is still work to be done to ensure that true literacy leads to overall development in the region.
