By Vikas Vasudeva

Copyright thehindu

Himachal Pradesh has achieved full literacy status, reaching the landmark five years ahead of the Government of India’s target year of 2030, marking a significant advancement in the State’s education sector.

Official records show that 43,885 people became literate during 2023-24 and 2024-25. Based on the State’s estimated population of 75.05 lakh in March 2024, fewer than 57,000 residents remain illiterate.

After Ladakh, Mizoram, Tripura, and Goa, Himachal Pradesh has become the fifth State to be declared ‘fully literate’. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the achievement on International Literacy Day, noting that the State’s literacy rate has reached 99.30%.

Any State or Union Territory with a literacy rate exceeding 95% is deemed ‘fully literate’ under the centrally sponsored scheme Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS). Himachal has been implementing the ULLAS programme since 2022-23, targeting non-literates aged 15 years and above.

Earlier this year, Himachal secured fifth position in the overall national ranking in the National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2024, a jump from the 21st position in the previous survey. The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2025 also assessed the reading ability of Himachal’s children as among the best in the country.

“The stride in the education sector is the result of our Vyavastha Parivartan initiative, which means transforming the system. Since coming to power, we have been implementing new schemes with the resolve to ensure modern and quality education for every child. English-medium instruction in government schools from the first grade has been started. Tough decisions have been taken for rationalisation of schools by merging them, which has helped the State emerge as a leader in the student-teacher ratio,” Mr. Sukhu told The Hindu on Tuesday.

In the current financial year, a budget provision of ₹9,849 crore has been made for education. “To provide modern, high-quality education to all children, Rajiv Gandhi government model day-boarding schools are being set up in each Assembly constituency. These institutions will feature smart classrooms, libraries, sports facilities, and other contemporary resources for comprehensive child development,” he added.

At the time of Independence, Himachal’s literacy rate was among the lowest in the country at 7%. Today, it stands above 99%, well beyond the national benchmark of 95%. The State’s Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) is 100% at the primary level, 103% at both upper primary and secondary levels, and 85% at the higher secondary level. The dropout rate at the primary level is nearly zero, according to official data.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur said the achievement was made possible by comprehensive identification drives involving primary school teachers, government departments, and community participation.