Tripura was made a 100 percent literate state under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme ) and it became the third state in India, after Mizoram and Goa, to obtain this status. The literacy in the state was at an all time high where this had increased by 95.6% compared to the 20.24% in 1961. Celebration Of The Achievement In a ceremony that was attended by Chief Minister Prof. Manik Saha, officials of the Ministry of Education. The success of the same is due to the effective implementation of the ULLAS, which aims at adult education, in line with the National Education Policy 2020.

Context

• Tripura boasts of full functional literacy of 95.6% all because of the ULLAS scheme which focused on adult literacy. 

• It is a major leap in the education development of India through the vision of National Education Policy 2020.

Key Points

ULLAS Program

Objective:

• It was introduced in 2022 as the New India Literacy Programme.

• Addresses core literacy, numeracy and life skills of adults (15+ years).

• Engages in digital learning through the ULLAS mobile application on community participation.

Effect in Tripura:

• The level of literacy was also increased as compared to the national standards, the level of literacy was 20.24% in 1961 which increased to 95.6%

• Tripura announced itself a 100% literate state- a great landmark of North-East India.

Participation of Community and Government:

• The stimulating factors included volunteers, pretextural leaders and education leaders.

• Grass roots mobilisation and door-to-door surveys played an important role.

• As per the vision of PM Modi on inclusive education that is Viksit Bharat@2047.

Acknowledgement & Awards:

• Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan, Agartala declared full literacy status.

• There was recognition of the collective work and of ULLAS work by CM Prof. Manik Saha.

National Model:

• The success of Tripura presents a model that can be replicated or copied by the other states and UTs.

• Lays stress on Jan Bhagidari (participation of people) and Kartavya Bodh (sense of duty).

• Makes credible the role of community based adult literacy in nation building.

100% literacy states in India

• States that are 100% Functional Literate under ULLAS (June 2025):

  • Mizoram

  • Goa

  • Tripura

Conclusion

The realization of full functional literacy in Tripura is a case in point to say that the ULLAS programme has worked in empowering the adult population with basic literacy and numeracy competencies. The milestone strengthens the state in terms of its investment in inclusive education and sets a good example to other states to replicate as they move towards being literate and empowered. The emphasis on community mobilization and digital learning underlines the need for collaborative work toward the accomplishment of the goals of national education in the National Education Policy 2020.

In the tribal areas in the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, the seed festival or the Beej Utsav was celebrated in four days highlighting the role of indigenous seeds in ensuring agricultural sustainability. More than 9,400 tribal community members, including women and children, came across the techniques of preservation and utilization of indigenous seeds and to know the importance of preserving seeds in the context of maintaining biodiversity and ensuring climate resilience. There were activities like Beej Samvad (seed dialogue), seed balls and plantation drives at the festival. Independent community institutions such as Vaagdhara were very instrumental in the organizing of the event.

Context 

• In the states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, the agenda of Beej Utsav was the maintenance of indigenous seeds to ensure sustainability of farms. 

• The focus of the festival was intended to be to make people aware of the heritage of seeds, biodiversity and climate-friendly farming methods.

Key Points

• Objective:

  • The festival aimed to highlight the importance of indigenous seeds in sustainable agriculture and promote community-led seed systems.

  • Allow tribal people to regain seed sovereignty.

• Participation and coverage:

  • More than 9400 tribal members took part in it.

  • Took place in 60 panchayats and in Indian states.

• Key Activities:

  • Beej Samvad -Seed preservation quotes.

  • Biodiversity fairs – Exhibition of local seed types.

  • Seed ball preparation-plantation drive- promote environment-friendly cultivation.

• Honors & Awards:

  • Such arrangements were naming certain farmers as seed-saving Beej Mitra and Beej Mata.

  • In a bid to show appreciation to seed heritage custodians.

• Institutional Involvement:

  • Organisers: Krishi Evam Adivasi Swaraj Sangathan, Gram Swaraj Samooh, Saksham Samooh, Bal Swaraj Samooh.

  • Backed by Vaagdhara (NGO of Rajasthan).

• What is the meaning of Indigenous Seeds?

  • The kids are regarded as cultural representations of strength and identity.

  • Provide resilience to climate, nutrition and diversity.

  • Demand transition to community-based systems, away from hybrid and market dependent seeds.

What are Traditional Seeds? 

Definition:

• Indigenous crop strains farmed, preserved, and traded by farmers through generations.

• Open-pollinated: able to replenish without losing genetic structure (as hybrid/GM seeds).

Major Properties of Conventional Seeds

• Genetic Diversity:

  • Adjusted to the place (land, climate, pests).

  • E.g.: Eastern India with flood resistant traditional varieties of rice.

• Climate Resilience:

  • Resist natural calamities like droughts, floods and pests.

  • E.g.: Desi cotton consumes 70% less water as compared to Bt cotton.

• Minimum Input Need:

  • Grow flourishing with no artificial fertilizer or pesticides.

  • Affordable to small farmers.

• Nutritional Value:

  • It is high in antioxidants, fiber and micronutrients.

  • E.g.: 3 times more calcium of ragi (finger millet) than that of milk.

• Cultural and Ecological Meaning:

  • Inherent dinners in tribal fare, and in tribal fests in addition to agroecology.

  • Represent food sovereignty and Indigenous knowledge.

Significance of traditional seeds in India

• Biodiversity Conservation:

  • Retain special genetic material which is essential in food security.

  • E.g.: Pokkali rice (Kerala) is found in salty water.

• Climate Adaptation:

  • Able to withstand unpredictable climatic conditions and new pests.

  • e.g.: Bhut Jolokia (Assam) likes the humid environment.

• Nutritional Security:

  • Greater meal fiber and micronutrients.

  • E.g.: Kodo millet contains 3x more fiber in comparison with wheat.

• Farmer Autonomy:

  • Less reliance on seeds bought on the market.

  • E.g.: 80% of the cotton growers now depend on the expensive GM seeds.

• Health and Sustainability of the Soil:

  • Increase the fertility of soil and ecological balance.

  • E.g: The Red Rice (Manipur) fertilizes the soil naturally.

Conclusion

The ‘Beej Utsav’ seeks to highlight the importance of indigenous seeds in the sustainability of agriculture especially in the tribal agricultural societies. The festival is directly contributing to the traditional agriculture in the community after popularizing the idea of preserving seeds within the community that is also eco-friendly but culturally relevant to the society. Such a project can become a successful example of the struggle against the problems of climate change and world food safety.