India’s literacy rate has climbed to 80.9 per cent in 2023–24 from 74 per cent in 2011, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said on Monday, while stressing that the real achievement would be when literacy translates into everyday empowerment for all citizens.
Speaking virtually on International Literacy Day 2025, Pradhan said literacy is not limited to the ability to read and write but is central to dignity, self-reliance and empowerment. He lauded Ladakh, Mizoram, Goa, Tripura and Himachal Pradesh for reaching the milestone of full literacy, describing it as proof of the impact of joint efforts by governments, communities and volunteers.
The minister noted that literacy initiatives have been expanded to include learning material in 26 Indian languages to make the programme more inclusive. This year’s Literacy Day theme, “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era,” underlined the importance of technology in building skills in reading, writing, numeracy and lifelong learning.
Himachal Pradesh Becomes ‘fully literate State’
Himachal Pradesh has been declared a fully literate state, marking a literacy rate of 99.3%. This has surpassed the national benchmark of 95% under the centrally sponsored literacy program ULLAS.
The announcement was made on Monday by Chief Minister Sukvinder Singh Sukhu at an event in Shimla marking International Literacy Day. After this achievement, the state joins the territory with this status. The Chief Minister highlighted Himachal’s journey from a modest 7% literacy rate post-independence to its current milestone, emphasizing the role of education reforms and community efforts.
