Himachal Pradesh: Journey from Illiteracy to 99.3% Literacy Triumph

Himachal Pradesh achieved the remarkable distinction of a literate state in India, reaching a literacy rate of 99.3 Percent in 2025, as announced by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on the occasion of International Literacy Day in Shimla. This historic milestone reflects the state’s transformative journey in education, from early 7 percent literacy rate at independence to near-universal literacy today, driven by decades of reforms, policy focus, and community engagement under initiatives like the ULLAS programme.

Himachal’s Literacy at Independence

At the time of independence in 1947, Himachal Pradesh Was among the least literate regions in the country, literacy rate of just & percent, and only 2 percent literacy among women education, infrastructure was sparse, with most of the state s population residing in rural and mountainous areas where access to schooling was limited the sale of illiteracy hosed a formidable challenge to policymakers in post- independent India.

Early Reforms and Progress

The journey towards literacy began with concerted efforts to expand basic education especially in rural and remote areas. The Himachal government consistently allocated a substantial portion of the state budget (17-18 percent to education, laying the foundation for future progress). Over the decades, Himachal Pradesh implemented nationwide education schemes alongside state-level innovations.

Accelerated growth and ULLAS Programme

Himachal’s literacy rate steadily climbed through decades, culminating in accelerated growth under the centrally sponsored ULLAS programme, Which began in 2022. ULLAS defines literally 95 percent or above for the population. Aged 15 plus Under this initiative, the state focused on lifelong comprehensive learning, including bus and digital skills-further , raising standards and inclusivity .

Achievement of Full Literacy status

On september 8, 2025, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that Himachal Pradesh had become fully literate with a 99.3 percent literacy rate, surpassing the national benchmark following Goa, Tripura, Mizoram, and Ladakh in achieving this feat. The announcement took place during the ULLAS Mela 2025 and International Literacy Day celebrations in Shimla.

The transformation of Himachal Pradesh from one of the country’s least literate regions to a leader in education exemplifies the power of sustained reform, community engagement, and effective policy. It stands as an innovations and benchmark for literacy other states aiming for and a model for universal education.