Himachal Pradesh Declared 'Fully Literate' State

• 10 Sep 2025

Source: IE

The declaration was made on the occasion of International Literacy Day on 8th  September, under the ULLAS program.

• Himachal Pradesh has become the fourth state to achieve full functional literacy, joining Tripura, Mizoram, and Goa in this significant milestone. 
• In June 2024, Ladakh was declared the first Union Territory to be fully literate.
• Himachal Pradesh literacy rate has reached 99.30%, exceeding the national benchmark of 95%, which the Ministry of Education considers equivalent to full literacy(100%).

 ULLAS Program

• ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, is a centrally sponsored scheme being implemented from 2022 to 2027. 
• It is also known as the New India Literacy Programme (NILP) targets non-literate adults aged 15 and above.
• It aims to provide literacy, digital literacy, and critical life skills such as financial literacy.
• It has enrolled over 3 crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers, with 1.83 crore learners having completed foundational literacy assessments with a 90% success rate.
• The program now offers materials in 26 Indian languages, emphasizing inclusive literacy.

National Literacy Landscape

• According to the Office of the Registrar General of India, a person aged 7 years or older who can read and write with understanding in any language is considered literate.
• Functional literacy refers to an individual's capability to use reading, writing, and numerical skills in everyday tasks that contribute to personal growth and community participation.
• According to the PLFS 2023-24, India’s overall literacy rate is 80.9%.

Read more: Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam and ULLAS Initiative