Matribhumi Samachar English
Gangtok. Thursday, 28 May 2026
In a historic educational and social milestone, Sikkim has officially been declared a fully literate state under the Central Government’s flagship ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme). Remarkably, the Himalayan state clinched this status well ahead of the national target originally set for 2027.
The formal announcement was made in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu during her address at the seventh convocation ceremony of Sikkim University in Gangtok. The high-profile event was also attended by Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, and State Education Minister Raju Basnet.
With this achievement, Sikkim joins an elite group of states and Union Territories—including Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, and Ladakh—that have successfully attained full literacy under the ULLAS framework.
President Murmu and State Leadership Hail the Grassroots Triumph
Addressing the convocation, President Droupadi Murmu congratulated the government and the residents of Sikkim, describing the feat as a profound point of pride for both the state and the entire nation.
“I congratulate Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, his government, and all the residents of Sikkim for this remarkable achievement,” President Murmu stated.
The President particularly lauded the highly active participation of women in the literacy drives, noting that the overwhelming involvement of mothers and sisters deeply reflected the inclusive and community-driven nature of the campaign.
Governor Om Prakash Mathur called it a “proud moment” for the Himalayan state, while Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba attributed the triumph to years of relentless hard work by volunteers, teachers, and grassroots workers spanning across isolated villages and mountain communities.
The Blueprint of Success: How Sikkim Beat the 2027 Deadline
Sikkim’s success is an operational masterclass in navigating difficult geographical terrains. State officials emphasized that coordinated, synchronized efforts by Gram Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), and local community networks played the most critical role.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang expressed his profound happiness, calling it a major milestone in Sikkim’s socioeconomic journey.
“From remote villages to every block and gram panchayat, this mission reached every corner of Sikkim with dedication and determination,” Chief Minister Tamang said. He noted that the success belongs to learners across all age groups who picked up pens and books for the first time in their lives.
What is the ULLAS Scheme? Beyond Basic Signatures
The ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) – Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram is a centrally sponsored initiative aligned directly with the National Education Policy (NEP).
Unlike legacy literacy programs that focused strictly on teaching citizens how to sign their names, ULLAS targets citizens aged 15 and above who missed out on formal schooling. It delivers learning across four distinct pillars:
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Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: Basic reading, writing, and mathematical comprehension.
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Critical Life Skills: Digital literacy (mobile banking, online safety), financial literacy, and legal awareness.
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Basic Education: Bridging adult learners to formal open schooling certifications.
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Lifelong Learning & Vocational Skills: Providing skill training to enhance local employment and entrepreneurship.
Sikkim’s rapid transition into a fully literate state marks a foundational victory toward India’s broader macroeconomic vision of building a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) ahead of the centenary milestone.
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Alt Text: President Droupadi Murmu addressing the Sikkim University Convocation in Gangtok celebrating Sikkim becoming a fully literate state under ULLAS scheme.
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