Shillong, April 10, 2026: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma today attended the ULLAS Fest 2026 held at U Soso Tham Auditorium. Also present on the occasion were Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui and Commissioner & Secretary, Education, Vijay Mantri, along with officials from the Education Department, volunteer teachers, ULLAS achievers, and learners.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the government is committed to inclusiveness. Referring to the felicitation of SSLC toppers earlier in the day, he stated that while academic achievers are important, equal importance must be given to elders and senior citizens who are not yet literate but aspire to learn. “If we are not able to touch the lives of these people, our mission is incomplete,” he said.
He further described ULLAS as a noble programme, noting that many individuals did not have the opportunity to become literate earlier, but the initiative now reaches those who wish to read and write. He urged collective efforts to achieve 100 percent literacy. “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 of society,” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui informed that nearly two lakh people in Meghalaya are still illiterate. He clarified that literacy does not necessarily mean being matriculated or a graduate, but having basic skills in reading, writing, numeracy, and life skills. He added that about 8 percent of the population still falls under the illiterate category and urged all stakeholders to work towards achieving the 95 percent benchmark required to be considered a fully literate state.
During the programme, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries felicitated ULLAS achievers and the oldest learners from the Khasi and Jaintia regions. ULLAS awareness videos in Khasi and Pnar languages were also launched on the occasion.
The ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) scheme is a Central Government initiative for 2022–2027 aimed at promoting functional literacy and lifelong learning among adults aged 15 years and above who missed formal education. The programme emphasizes volunteerism in teaching and offers training in literacy, critical life skills, and vocational skills through both online and offline modes. It covers five key areas: Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills, and Continuing Education.
