Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday underscored Meghalaya’s steady march towards achieving 100 per cent literacy, positioning inclusive education as central to the State’s development agenda, while addressing the ULLAS Fest 2026 at the U Soso Tham Auditorium.
The event, attended by Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui, senior officials, volunteer teachers, ULLAS achievers and learners, highlighted the State government’s renewed focus on bridging the literacy gap among adult learners and marginalised sections. The programme also celebrated progress made under the ULLAS initiative, even as the State nears the milestone of universal literacy.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stressed that inclusivity remains at the core of the government’s approach, stating, “I felicitated the toppers of SSLC exams this morning and while they are very important so are our elders and seniors who are not literate yet, but aspire to be so, and, if we are not able to touch the lives of these people our mission is incomplete.”
Describing ULLAS as a transformative initiative, he said the programme has opened doors for those who were previously excluded from formal education. Emphasising collective responsibility, he called for sustained societal participation in achieving universal literacy. “We are nearing the 100% literacy rate but we have to work together as a society to bring transformations in education while empowering all sections of society,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, the Education Minister highlighted the scale of the challenge that remains, noting that nearly two lakh people in the State continue to be illiterate. “Literacy does not mean being a matriculate or graduate but to have the basic knowledge of reading, writing, numeracy and life skills and about 8% of our population still fall under the illiterate category,” he said, urging stakeholders to strive towards crossing the 95 per cent benchmark required for a State to be considered fully literate.
The Chief Minister and other dignitaries felicitated ULLAS achievers, including some of the oldest learners from the Khasi and Jaintia regions, marking a significant moment in the State’s adult education movement. Awareness videos in Khasi and Pnar languages were also launched to further strengthen outreach and engagement.
ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society), a centrally sponsored scheme for the period 2022–2027, seeks to promote functional literacy and lifelong learning among adults aged 15 and above who missed formal schooling. The programme adopts a volunteer-driven approach and offers training in foundational literacy and numeracy, critical life skills including digital and financial literacy, basic education, vocational skills, and continuing education through both online and offline modes.
Meghalaya pushes towards 100% literacy as ULLAS Fest spotlights inclusive education drive
