Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu released the ‘Himachal Pradesh Human Development Report-2025’ in Shimla on Monday, describing it as a reflection of the State’s progress, resilience, and the aspirations of its people.
Despite the state’s challenging “topography and harsh weather conditions, the report showcases Himachal’s remarkable development journey driven by the commitment and hard work of its people,” he stated.
The Chief Minister said that it was a matter of pride that Himachal Pradesh’s average Human Development Index (HDI) stood at 0.78, significantly higher than the national average of 0.63.
He added that Himachal has recently achieved the distinction of becoming a fully literate state, with a literacy rate of 99.30 per cent. In a recent national survey, the state ranked fifth in the country for reading and writing competencies, a sharp rise from the 21st position in 2021. The infant mortality rate has also dropped to 21 per 1,000 live births, reflecting the success of the State’s healthcare system.
Sukhu said that the state government has focused not only on infrastructure such as roads, industries, agriculture, and horticulture, but also on fundamental areas like education, health, women empowerment, elderly care, and rural development.
These investments, he said, are laying a strong foundation for an inclusive and sustainable future. The Chief Minister noted that life expectancy in the state has increased to 72 years, symbolising the achievements of the healthcare ecosystem. He added that the poverty rate has also fallen significantly and now stands below seven per cent, underscoring the success of welfare and livelihood schemes.
Expressing concern over the growing threat of climate change, the Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh has always championed eco-friendly and sustainable development. The state, he emphasised, has never exploited its natural resources irresponsibly but continues to face the brunt of global warming.
He cited the recent monsoon season, which caused heavy losses due to floods, landslides, and cloudbursts, as evidence of changing climate patterns. To address these challenges, Sukhu said that global cooperation is essential to ensure a climate-resilient and human-centric future.
He highlighted that the state government has launched the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme with an outlay of Rs 680 crore, under which a 50 per cent subsidy is being provided for the purchase of e-taxis.
Similarly, under the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Solar Energy Scheme, interest subsidies of five per cent in tribal areas and four per cent in non-tribal areas are being offered for setting up solar projects ranging from 100 kW to 2 MW, he added.
The Chief Minister said Himachal aims to electrify all public transport by 2030, setting an example as the first hill state to adopt a comprehensive electric vehicle policy.