Himachal Pradesh Joins Elite Club of Fully Literate States in India
India’s push towards universal literacy just got a big boost! On International Literacy Day, Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that Himachal Pradesh has become the fifth state or union territory to achieve full literacy. This exciting milestone puts it right alongside Tripura, Mizoram, Goa, and Ladakh, thanks to the combined hard work of the government, communities, and dedicated volunteers.
Speaking at a virtual event, Pradhan praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of education as the bedrock of a strong society. He called for everyone to step up and help build a literate, self-reliant, and developed India. The theme for this year’s International Literacy Day—"Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era"—spotlights how digital tools are revolutionizing reading, writing, numeracy, and lifelong learning for people across the country.
Here’s the key update: Himachal Pradesh is now the fourth state to reach full functional literacy, following Tripura, Mizoram, and Goa. Ladakh made history on June 24, 2024, as the first union territory to hit this mark. Pradhan stressed that literacy isn’t just about basic skills—it’s a pathway to dignity, empowerment, and self-reliance for every Indian.
India’s literacy rate has climbed impressively from 74% in 2011 to 80.9% in 2023-24, but Pradhan reminded us that real success comes when every single citizen can access education. He highlighted the game-changing ULLAS Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, a nationwide literacy program that’s enrolled over 3 crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers. Already, 1.83 crore learners have aced foundational literacy and numeracy tests with a whopping 90% success rate. Plus, the program now provides materials in 26 Indian languages, making it accessible to diverse groups.
Pradhan urged young people and students to join the literacy drive, even suggesting that volunteer efforts could count towards academic credits. It’s a smart way to get the next generation involved in India’s literacy mission.
Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary echoed the excitement, celebrating Himachal Pradesh’s achievement in joining Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, and Ladakh. He pointed out how impressive this is for states with tough terrain and limited resources—like remote areas with scarce schools and teachers. Yet, local communities rallied, volunteers jumped in, and governments provided the support needed to make it happen. "This shows that determination can conquer any challenge, no matter the geography," Chaudhary said.
Chaudhary also expanded on what literacy means today in India—it now includes digital literacy. He praised India’s Digital Public Infrastructure as a global model, especially for the Global South, that’s sped up education and inclusion like never before. What might have taken 50 years elsewhere, India has achieved in just a decade through innovative digital solutions.
This collective win on International Literacy Day reinforces India’s commitment to education for all. As the country eyes 100% literacy, stories like Himachal Pradesh’s inspire hope and action nationwide.
