Mizoram achieves 98.02% literacy, highest in India

Aizawl: Mizoram has been declared the most literate state in India, with a literacy rate of 98.02%. Chief Minister Lalduhoma made this announcement during the final day of the budget session in the state legislative assembly. The CM noted that women in Mizoram have a literacy rate of 97%, while men have a rate of 99%. This achievement is credited to the efforts of the state school education minister, Vanlalthlana, who hired 292 contract educators to help teach illiterate people. Mizoram's efforts in adult education, especially in rural areas, have played a key role in this success. The adult education wing of the school education department, along with voluntary educators, has been vital in this initiative. Previously, Mamit and Lawngtlai districts faced literacy challenges. These areas had contributed to Mizoram losing its top literacy rank to Kerala in earlier years. A retired official mentioned that the presence of minority communities has affected literacy progress in those districts. In 2024, Mizoram's literacy rate was reported at 91.58%, while Kerala's was 96.2%. The official announcement of Mizoram's current rate is expected soon.