Himachal Pradesh has joined Tripura, Mizoram, and Goa as the fourth state in India to achieve complete functional literacy.
The announcement came during an International Literacy Day event organised by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education. Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary lauded the achievement, noting that states with difficult terrains had set an inspiring example.
“Despite challenges like limited access to schools, teachers, and resources, communities, volunteers, and governments came together to make this possible,” Chaudhary said. He added that India’s Digital Public Infrastructure has fast-tracked literacy, making progress in a decade that could otherwise have taken fifty years.
In his virtual address, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan highlighted India’s rising literacy rate from 74% in 2011 to 80.9% in 2023–24 but stressed that true progress will come only when literacy becomes a lived reality for every citizen.
Pradhan also spoke about the ULLAS Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, which has enrolled over 3 crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers. More than 1.83 crore learners have already taken foundational literacy and numeracy assessments with a 90% success rate. The programme also provides study material in 26 Indian languages, ensuring inclusivity.
The event also saw participation from Tripura Education Minister Kishor Barman and Mizoram Education Minister Vanlalthlana. An ULLAS Compendium was released, showcasing innovative teaching-learning resources that reflect India’s diverse linguistic and cultural heritage.
Also Read: Tripura becomes third fully literate state
This year’s theme, “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era”, underscored the crucial role of technology in driving education, lifelong learning, and digital inclusion across India.
