Shillong, April 10 Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday emphasized the need for inclusive education to achieve near-universal literacy in the northeastern state.
Speaking at the ‘ULLAS Fest 2026’ here, Sangma said the state government's approach to education remains rooted in inclusivity.
"We are nearing the 100 per cent literacy rate, but we have to work together as a society to bring transformation in education, while empowering all sections," he said.
State Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said that nearly two lakh people in the state remain illiterate, accounting for about eight per cent 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.
According to the 2011 Census, Meghalaya had a population of 29,66,889.
The ‘ULLAS’ scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative, aimed at promoting functional literacy and lifelong learning among adults aged 15 and above, who missed formal education.