Himachal Pradesh has achieved a historic milestone after being declared a fully literate state. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made the announcement on International Literacy Day during the Puran Sakshar Himachal Samaroh and Ullaas Mela-2025 organised by the Directorate of School Education in Shimla on Monday.
Extending greetings to the people, the chief minister said the state had achieved this goal well before the scheduled timeframe. From a minimal literacy rate of just seven percent at the time of Independence, the state had steadily advanced with consistent reforms and the commitment to provide quality education.
He said the literacy rate in Himachal has now reached 99.30 per cent, higher than the national benchmark of 95 per cent, with the state ranking first in the country in terms of student–teacher ratio.
He added that many positive changes will be introduced in the coming years and government institutions will be transformed into centres of excellence.
The government is committed to establishing world-class institutions and ensuring continuous reforms to meet modern requirements.
On the occasion, the chief minister honoured officials, volunteers, and contributors of the New India Literacy Programme ULLAS, who played a key role in achieving the milestone.
He also visited the exhibition organised as part of the Ullaas Mela.
Education Minister Rohit Thakur described the day as a golden chapter in Himachal’s history.
He recalled that the state once ranked among the lowest in the country in literacy, but sustained efforts by successive governments had brought it to the top position. With the dropout rate now nearly zero, he detailed the initiatives taken by the present government in the education sector and expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the achievement.
Union Education Secretary Sanjay Kumar, in a video message, congratulated Himachal and highlighted the importance of skill-based education for the newly literate.
Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar said Himachal had fulfilled all the criteria required for being declared fully literate and assured that capacities in the sector would continue to be strengthened.
Director of School Education Ashish Kohli gave details of the Ullaas Mela and said that several ambitious programmes had been implemented under the motto of “Jan-Jan Sakshar.”
Voluntary teachers and newly literate individuals also shared their experiences.
Women’s groups, youth clubs, NGOs and voluntary organisations played a significant role over the past three decades in helping the state achieve 99.30 per cent literacy