Sikkim becomes fully literate state before national deadline
Gangtok, May 27
Sikkim has achieved the status of a fully literate state under the Centre's Ullas - Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, attaining the milestone ahead of the national target set for 2027, officials said on Wednesday.
The announcement was made in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu during the seventh convocation ceremony of Sikkim University in Gangtok.
Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and state Education Minister Raju Basnet were also present on the occasion.
The Ullas - Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram focuses on adult education, foundational literacy and lifelong learning with the aim of ensuring inclusive educational access across all sections of society.
Addressing the convocation ceremony, President Murmu congratulated the state government and the people of Sikkim for achieving full literacy status. "Sikkim being a fully literate state is a matter of pride. I congratulate Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, his government and all the residents of Sikkim for this achievement," the President said.
She also praised the participation of women in literacy initiatives and noted that mothers and sisters receiving education reflected the inclusive nature of the campaign. "Through such efforts and collective contribution, the state has today become fully literate. This is your collective achievement," Murmu added.
Governor Mathur described the development as a proud moment for the Himalayan state and congratulated the Chief Minister and his team for successfully achieving the milestone.
Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba said the achievement reflected years of hard work by volunteers, teachers and grassroots workers across villages and communities. He stressed the need to sustain the momentum and ensure that the state continues to maintain its literacy standards in the coming years.
Officials said the achievement became possible through the coordinated efforts of Gram Panchayats, urban local bodies and local communities, which actively participated in literacy and educational outreach programmes. The literacy milestone was also described as a step towards empowerment, dignity and social progress, while contributing to the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Great achievement but let's not get too carried away. 'Fully literate' under the Ullas program means basic literacy—reading, writing, and numeracy. The real challenge is ensuring quality education beyond just functional literacy. Sikkim should now focus on higher education and vocational training to truly empower its citizens.
As someone from the West, this is remarkable. India's progress in literacy is often underestimated globally. Sikkim showing the way before 2027 target—impressive coordination between state and local bodies. The President's recognition of women's role is spot on. This is what "Viksit Bharat" should look like at the grassroots. 🇮🇳
पहाड़ी राज्य ने दिखा दिया! Sikkim's achievement is a testament to what focused governance can achieve. The Gram Panchayat-level coordination is key—literacy isn't just about schools in cities, it's about reaching every village. Now other states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh need to take notes. Well done, Sikkim! 🙌
This is genuinely impressive. The emphasis on adult education and lifelong learning shows a holistic approach—not just focusing on children but also on parents who missed out earlier. Sikkim's success with the Ullas program should be a model for other states. The collective effort of volunteers, teachers, and local bodies is something to celebrate.
बहुत अच्छी खबर! But I wonder about the sustainability aspect. Will the state maintain these literacy levels? Also, are there provisions for neo-literates to continue learning beyond basic skills
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.