Gangtok, May 27 (IANS) 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

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