Lakshadweep declared 100% literate Union Territory

KAVARATTI, 11 OCTOBER 2026: Lakshadweep was declared a 100% literate Union Territory by Administrator Praful Patel on Sunday, marking the achievement of full literacy status under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram.

The declaration was made at a function held at the Secretariat in Kavaratti, where the Administrator also inaugurated several development projects.

According to the Department of Education, an initial survey identified 1,113 adult non-literates across the islands. Intensive teaching and assessment drives were subsequently undertaken to equip the identified learners with foundational literacy and numeracy skills.

Teachers and supervisors volunteered to conduct doorstep and home-based assessments for learners who were unable or hesitant to attend designated examination centres. Follow-up assessments and re-testing were also organised to ensure that eligible learners completed the evaluation process.

The Department said all eligible learners had successfully cleared the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT), enabling Lakshadweep to attain full literacy status under ULLAS.

The achievement follows coordinated efforts by the Lakshadweep Administration, the Department of Education, teachers, volunteers and grassroots-level functionaries to extend adult literacy initiatives across the islands.

ULLAS, a Centrally sponsored scheme aligned with the National Education Policy 2020, aims to provide foundational literacy, numeracy and lifelong learning opportunities to non-literate persons aged 15 and above.

At the function, the Administrator also inaugurated a solar power plant at Andrott, petroleum outlets at Kiltan, Kadmat and Chetlat, and Nand Ghars at Kiltan, Minicoy, Kavaratti, Chetlat and Amini. Aids and assistive devices were also distributed to persons with disabilities and senior citizens under Central government schemes.