Meghalaya nears 100% literacy, CM Sangma stresses inclusive education

Meghalaya is moving closer to universal literacy, with the state government emphasizing inclusive education as the key to reaching the final stretch. Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma highlighted the approach while addressing the ‘ULLAS Fest 2026’ on April 10.

“We are nearing the 100% literacy rate, but we have to work together as a society to bring transformation in education, while empowering all sections,” he said.

Reiterating the focus on inclusivity, Sangma noted that the state’s education strategy is designed to ensure participation from all sections of society.

Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said nearly two lakh people in the state are still illiterate, accounting for about 8% of the population.

“Literacy does not mean being a matriculate or graduate, but having basic knowledge of reading, writing, numeracy, and life skills,” he said.

As per the 2011 Census, Meghalaya’s population stood at 2,966,889. The ULLAS scheme, under which the event was held, is a centrally sponsored program aimed at promoting functional literacy and lifelong learning among individuals aged 15 and above who missed out on formal education.