Sikkim has been officially declared a fully literate state under the ULLAS initiative, marking a significant milestone in the state’s educational journey. The announcement was made in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu during the convocation ceremony of Sikkim University at Manan Kendra in Gangtok on Wednesday.
With this achievement, Sikkim becomes the fifth fully literate state in the country and the third in the northeast after Mizoram and Tripura. Other states that have already achieved the milestone include Goa and Himachal Pradesh.
ULLAS initiative focused on adult education
According to NDTV, the literacy milestone has been achieved under the ULLAS initiative, short for Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society, launched by the Ministry of Education in line with the National Education Policy 2020.
The program focuses on adult education, functional literacy, and lifelong learning opportunities for people aged 15 years and above, while encouraging continuous skill development and inclusive educational access.
State officials said the recognition reflected Sikkim’s sustained commitment towards educational empowerment and social inclusion.
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Chief Minister calls it a defining moment
According to NDTV, Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang described the achievement as a defining milestone in the state’s educational and social progress.
In a statement, Tamang congratulated the people of Sikkim and said the initiative had reached every corner of the state, from remote villages to gram panchayats, through collective effort and determination.
He also praised adult learners who learned to read and write for the first time, calling their perseverance a source of inspiration for future generations.
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Heartiest congratulations to the people of Sikkim on the historic and proud occasion of our State being formally declared a Fully Literate State under the ULLAS, Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram during the gracious visit of the Hon’ble President Smt. Droupadi Murmu Ji to Sikkim on… pic.twitter.com/gwI50DnccC
— Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) (@PSTamangGolay) May 27, 2026
State celebrates educational progress
According to NDTV, the Chief Minister also acknowledged the contributions of teachers, volunteers, officials, and coordinators associated with the literacy mission.
Officials said the revamped literacy framework has helped strengthen inclusive development in the Himalayan state while creating greater awareness about lifelong learning and educational participation.
The achievement is being celebrated across the state as a landmark moment in Sikkim’s development journey.
