Five Northeastern states ranked among the top 10 states and union territories (UT) with the highest literacy rates, led by Mizoram at the top with 98.2%, according to data compiled during the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2023-2024 by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
Besides Mizoram, the other four Northeastern states in the top 10 were Nagaland (3rd, 95.7%), Meghalaya (5th, 94.2%), Tripura (6th, 93.7%), and Manipur (10th, 92%). Sikkim and Assam recorded literacy rates of 84.7% and 87%, respectively.
Arunachal Pradesh continued its dismal performance, ranking 21st with a literacy rate of 84.2% among the 28 states and 8 UTs. The data suggested that India achieved an overall literacy rate of 80.9%.
In Arunachal, the literacy rate among males aged 7 years and above stood at 88%, while it was 80.3% for females. In urban areas, the state’s literacy rate among males aged 7 years and above stood at 94.6%, while it was 87.6% for females. In rural areas, the literacy rate among males stood at 86.7%, while it was 78.7% for females, the data showed.
These figures point to the urgent need for a major overhaul of the education system in the state. The education department has been neglected for far too long, despite numerous discussions and policies aimed at reform. Improving basic school infrastructure, ensuring timely posting of teachers, and strengthening foundational studies would go a long way in enhancing students’ grasp of subjects.