Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declared Himachal Pradesh a fully literate state on International Literacy Day at a ceremony held at Peterhoff. With a literacy rate of 99.30%, Himachal Pradesh has surpassed previously fully literate states Mizoram, Tripura, and Lakshadweep to become the nation’s top-ranking state in literacy.
Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Education Department Secretary, Director, and other officials were present at the historic announcement.
From 7% in 1947 to 99.30% in 2025
Speaking at the ceremony, CM Sukhu highlighted the remarkable journey: “At the time of independence, the entire country was known as an illiterate nation, and Himachal’s literacy rate was merely 7%. After 78 years of independence, Himachal has become a fully literate state. Congratulations to everyone for this achievement.”
The Chief Minister shared a personal anecdote about education’s transformative power: “My mother studied up to fifth grade, father up to seventh. They educated us, we worked hard, and reached the Chief Minister’s chair.”
Current literacy statistics
According to the Technical Group on Population Projection report by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Himachal’s estimated population in 2024 was approximately 75.27 lakh. The state identified 95,307 illiterate persons in 2024, and through FLNAT-1 and FLNAT programs, 42,578 people have become newly literate.
Current data shows 52,729 illiterate persons remain in the state out of a total population of 75.27 lakh, resulting in a 99.30% literacy rate. The CM announced a new scheme to make the remaining 56,960 illiterates literate.
Comparison with other states
| State/UT | Literacy Rate (%) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Himachal Pradesh | 99.30 | Newly declared fully literate |
| Mizoram | 98.2 | Previously fully literate |
| Lakshadweep | 97.3 | Top Union Territory |
| Tripura | 95.6 | Recently became fully literate |
| Kerala | 95.3 | Long-time top performer |
| Goa | 93.6 | Strong urban education network |
Continuous literacy campaigns
The Education Department’s efforts have been sustained through multiple programs:
Recent Achievements:
- Ullas Scheme (2023-25): 43,885 people became literate
- Reading-Writing Campaign (2022): One lakh people achieved literacy
- Saakshar Bharat Scheme (2017): 67,500 people became literate
The 2011 census recorded Himachal’s literacy rate at 82.80%, showing remarkable progress over the past decade.
National significance
While the national literacy rate stands at 80.9%, Himachal Pradesh has crossed the 99% mark, establishing itself as the leading literate state in the country. Under central government standards, any state achieving 95% literacy rate is declared fully literate.
The CM acknowledged the challenges in government education quality that occurred under previous administrations and announced plans to transform school education over the next five years, with reduced pressure on teachers and improved educational infrastructure.
This historic achievement positions Himachal Pradesh as a model for other states in achieving universal literacy and demonstrates the power of sustained educational campaigns and government commitment to eliminating illiteracy.
