Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Tuesday said the state has achieved a zero per cent dropout rate at the primary level during 2025-26 through sustained efforts to strengthen foundational literacy and learning in schools.

Addressing the International Literacy Day and ULLAS Mela 2026 in New Delhi, Saha said the government remains committed to further reducing the dropout rate in secondary education to a minimum within the next three to four years.

According to UDISE+, the primary-level dropout rate in Tripura stood at 2.21 per cent in 2013-14. “With our consistent efforts to strengthen foundational literacy in all our primary schools, our government was successful in bringing the dropout rate to zero per cent in 2025-26,” he said.

The Chief Minister said the dropout rate in Classes 9 and 10 has also declined significantly, from 25.51 per cent in 2013-14 to 10.40 per cent in 2025-26. He said the government was working to improve the transition rate across the school education system.

Addressing the issue of low enrolment in remote and rural areas, Saha said the government plans to establish state-of-the-art residential schools on the pattern of Eklavya Model Schools by merging or clubbing schools with very low enrolment.

He said Tripura has been implementing ULLAS – Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram since May 2022. Several innovative initiatives, including financial literacy, experiential market learning, and health and hygiene awareness, have been introduced for neo-learners.

Saha further said the state has approved the establishment of the Board of Open Schooling and Examination in Tripura. He added that Balvatikas for one year of pre-school education would be introduced in all 2,048 primary schools within the next two years.

The government, he said, is simultaneously focusing on school infrastructure, digital education, skill development, girls’ education, inclusive education and overall improvement in the quality of education.