Tripura literacy rate rises to 80.14 per cent

Agartala, Sep 1 (UNI) The literacy rate in Tripura has increased by 5.78 per cent to touch 80.14 per cent putting it in the 8th position from 12th in the national literacy map.

The state is ranked second in the North East behind Mizoram.

Education Minister Keshab Majumdar has expressed satisfaction over the success in the growth in literacy rate. Speaking to mediapersons he said as per the Centre's policy any state having more then 80 per cent literacy rate is considered as fully literate.

''With this increase the dream of the CPI(M) led government of having cent per cent literacy rate in the state has enlightened us more. The state government will work relentlessly unless 100 per cent literacy is achieved,'' said Mr Majumdar. He added that the state will not follow the central government's policy of declaring 'full literate state' after attaining the 80 per cent literacy mark.

Mr Majumdar further said the literacy rate in Tripura was 74.36 per cent in the 2001 survey report.

To reduce the school drop outs rate, the state government has added non-vegetarian items in the mid day menu for primary level students from today.

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