India’s Muslim-majority Lakshadweep islands achieve 100% literacy status
Muslim-majority island territory in Arabian Sea achieves full adult literacy certification after education campaign reaches previously non-literate residents
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — Lakshadweep, India’s only Muslim-majority island territory, has achieved 100% literacy status under a national adult education program, marking a significant educational milestone for the geographically isolated archipelago in the Arabian Sea.
The achievement was formally announced Sunday, Oct. 11, by Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Patel after authorities reported that all identified eligible adult learners had successfully completed assessments measuring basic reading, writing and numerical skills.
The declaration places Lakshadweep among Indian territories recognized for achieving full literacy under the government’s ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, an adult education initiative designed to provide foundational learning opportunities to people who missed formal schooling.
Lakshadweep, a group of islands situated off India’s southwestern coast, has a population of approximately 64,000 according to the 2011 census, with Muslims accounting for more than 96% of residents.
The archipelago’s overwhelmingly Muslim population makes the achievement particularly significant for the community, demonstrating educational progress in a territory where geographic isolation and limited access to mainland institutions present distinctive challenges.
According to Lakshadweep’s Department of Education, an initial survey identified 1,113 adults who lacked basic literacy skills across the islands.
Authorities subsequently organized targeted teaching programs and assessments to help these residents develop foundational reading, writing and arithmetic abilities.
The department said all eligible learners eventually passed the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test, known as FLNAT, allowing the territory to qualify for full literacy certification.
Teachers and education supervisors volunteered to conduct home-based assessments for adults who were unable or reluctant to travel to examination centers.
Officials also arranged follow-up evaluations and additional testing opportunities to ensure that eligible learners could complete the assessment process.
The initiative was implemented under ULLAS, a centrally funded Indian government program aimed at improving literacy among people aged 15 and older who have not received sufficient formal education.
For Lakshadweep, where communities are spread across small islands separated by stretches of sea, delivering education and conducting assessments can require additional logistical arrangements compared with mainland regions.
The literacy declaration represents the completion of the territory’s identified adult learning campaign rather than proof that every resident, regardless of age or circumstances, has independently demonstrated literacy.
Nevertheless, the achievement highlights the potential of community-based education initiatives to reach adults who have remained outside conventional schooling systems.
Lakshadweep has historically recorded relatively high literacy levels compared with many parts of India. The 2011 census placed its overall literacy rate at approximately 91.85%, with female literacy exceeding 88%.
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