Shimla, Sep 8: In a landmark achievement, Himachal Pradesh has officially been declared a fully literate state, boasting a literacy rate of 99.3% in 2025 — an extraordinary rise from just 7% in 1947.

The announcement was made by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu during the ‘Poorna Sakshar Himachal Samaroh’ and ULLAS Mela held in Shimla on International Literacy Day.

"We have become a fully literate state. It is a matter of great pride for us," said the CM while speaking at the International Literacy Day function in Shimla.

This declaration places Himachal at the top of India’s literacy rankings, surpassing the national benchmark of 95% required under the ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) programme. The initiative emphasizes not just basic reading and writing, but also financial and digital literacy.

 
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Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan hailed the achievement as a “testimony to the joint efforts of government and society,” acknowledging decades of dedication by educators, volunteers, and civil society groups.

Himachal Education Minister Rohit Thakur noted that the dropout rate in the state has now dropped to nearly zero, and Himachal ranks first in student-teacher ratio nationwide.

The journey to full literacy was marked by consistent reforms, community participation, and a strong commitment to quality education. Government institutions are now being transformed into centres of excellence, with plans to further enhance infrastructure and introduce skill-based learning for newly literate citizens.

Voluntary teachers, women’s groups, youth clubs, and NGOs played a pivotal role in this transformation, making Himachal a beacon for other Himalayan states facing similar geographic and demographic challenges.