Himachal Pradesh becomes a Fully Literate State- reaches 99.30% Literacy

International Literacy Day (8th September 2025) Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced Himachal Pradesh a Fully Literate State of 99.30% literacy. It was announced at Ullaas Mela-2025 and puran Sakshar Himachal Samaroh in Shimla. Himachal is also in the ranks of Tripura, Mizoram, Goa and Ladakh in attaining this milestone. Sukhu has pointed out that Himachal is also the top in terms of student to teacher ratio in India, indicative of good education infrastructure. The state government committed to enhancing still more the literacy, digital inclusion and quality education programs.

Key Points for RAS Mains

Background and Context

• Proclaimed on the International Literacy Day 2025 (8th September).
• Location: Shimla, Puran Sakshar Himachal Samaroh and Ullaas Mela-2025.
• Literacy rate of Himachal: 99.30, one of the highest despite being in India.
• Brings the number of states/UTs that are already fully literate to 14: Tripura, Mizoram, Goa, and Ladakh.

Education Achievements

• Himachal is leading in terms of the student teacher ratio in the country, which guarantees better student learning.
• Well-established school-based network of literacy programmes and community-based literacy programmes.
• The success of literacy was associated with ULLAS Nav Bharat Saakshara Karyakrama and the state-driven programs.

Significance

• Indicates universal education in a state that has difficult hilly terrain.
• Empowers human resources towards long-lasting socio-economic advancement.
• Leads other states in the areas of literacy accomplishment and educational leadership.

Future Plans

• CM Sukhu focused on the ongoing education advances.
• Focus on:
  • Digital skills and skill incorporation.
  • Closing the higher and technical education gaps.
  • Increase access to lifelong learning.

Conclusion

Himachal Pradesh became a model state in terms of education with 99.30% literacy, a high literacy with good student-teacher ratios. The milestone is an indicator of good governance, social engagement, and dedication to inclusive education in spite of geographical barriers. In the case of RAS Mains, the success of Himachal is a case study of the sorts of changes in educational outcomes that can be achieved by a sustained policy focus, literacy missions, and local participation in India.