Sikkim achieves full literacy under Ullas scheme, beats 2027 national deadline
Synopsis
Sikkim has become India's first fully literate state under the Centre's Ullas scheme — and it got there ahead of the 2027 national deadline. The announcement, made by President Droupadi Murmu at Sikkim University's convocation, puts the Himalayan state ahead of every other in the country on a benchmark that has eluded India for decades.
Key Takeaways
Sikkim declared a fully literate state on 27 May 2025 , under the Centre's Ullas – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram .
The milestone was achieved ahead of the national target set for 2027 .
President Droupadi Murmu announced the achievement at the seventh convocation of Sikkim University in Gangtok .
Success was attributed to coordinated efforts by Gram Panchayats , urban local bodies, volunteers, and grassroots workers.
Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba called for sustained efforts to maintain literacy standards going forward.
The achievement is linked to the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 .
Sikkim has become a fully literate state under the Centre's Ullas – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, achieving the milestone ahead of the national deadline set for 2027, officials confirmed on Wednesday, 27 May. The announcement was made in Gangtok during the seventh convocation ceremony of Sikkim University, in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu.
Key Developments
President Murmu congratulated the state government and its residents on the achievement. '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,' she said at the ceremony.
She also highlighted the role of women in driving the campaign forward, noting that the participation of mothers and sisters in literacy initiatives reflected the inclusive character of the programme. 'Through such efforts and collective contribution, the state has today become fully literate. This is your collective achievement,' President Murmu added.
What the Ullas Scheme Covers
The Ullas – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram is a centrally driven initiative focused on adult education, foundational literacy, and lifelong learning, with the stated aim of ensuring inclusive educational access across all sections of society. Sikkim's early attainment of the target marks it as the first state to cross the threshold ahead of the 2027 national goal.
Governor Om Prakash Mathur described the development as a proud moment for the Himalayan state and acknowledged Chief Minister Tamang and his team for steering the effort to completion.
How the Milestone Was Achieved
Officials attributed the success to coordinated outreach by Gram Panchayats, urban local bodies, and local communities, which actively participated in literacy drives across villages. Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba noted that the achievement reflected years of sustained work by volunteers, teachers, and grassroots workers.
Subba also stressed the need to sustain momentum and ensure that literacy standards are maintained in the years ahead — a signal that the challenge now shifts from achieving the benchmark to holding it.
Broader Significance
The literacy milestone has been framed by officials as a step toward empowerment, dignity, and social progress, and as a contribution to the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Notably, Sikkim's relatively small population and strong community governance structures likely aided faster mobilisation compared with larger states still working toward the 2027 target.
With full literacy now formally declared, attention will turn to the quality of that literacy — whether foundational reading and numeracy skills translate into measurable improvements in livelihoods and civic participation across the state.
Point of View
But the harder question is what 'full literacy' actually measures here. The Ullas scheme defines literacy broadly — foundational reading, writing, and numeracy in adults — which means the declaration is a floor, not a ceiling. Sikkim's small population and relatively robust panchayat structures gave it a structural advantage that most larger states cannot replicate on the same timeline. The real test will be whether this translates into sustained educational outcomes or remains a certificate moment. India has a history of literacy declarations that did not survive the next census.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ullas – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram?
It is a central government scheme focused on adult education, foundational literacy, and lifelong learning, aimed at ensuring inclusive educational access across all sections of Indian society. The national target under the scheme is for all states to achieve full literacy by 2027.
When did Sikkim achieve full literacy status?
Sikkim's full literacy status was formally announced on 27 May 2025, during the seventh convocation ceremony of Sikkim University in Gangtok, in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu.
Who announced Sikkim's full literacy achievement?
President Droupadi Murmu announced the achievement at the Sikkim University convocation. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, Governor Om Prakash Mathur, and state Education Minister Raju Basnet were also present at the ceremony.
How did Sikkim achieve full literacy ahead of the 2027 deadline?
Officials credited coordinated efforts by Gram Panchayats, urban local bodies, local communities, volunteers, and teachers. The active participation of women in literacy initiatives was also highlighted as a key factor by President Murmu.
What happens after Sikkim achieves full literacy?
Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba emphasised the need to sustain momentum and maintain literacy standards in coming years. The milestone is also seen as a contribution toward the Viksit Bharat 2047 national development vision.
