• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Himachal Pradesh Fully Literate State: Himachal Pradesh has been officially declared India's fourth 'fully literate state' after Mizoram, Tripura and Goa. Its literacy rate is a record 99.3 per cent, much higher than the national standard of 95 per cent.Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu made the announcement on the occasion of International Literacy Day on September 8, under the ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) programme.

Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar and other dignitaries were present at the function. Apart from this Ladakh became the first Union Territory to achieve this feat.

Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu's Statement Post On X: 

CM Sukhu, in his address, said, "At the time of independence, the entire country was known as illiterate, and Himachal's literacy rate was just 7 per cent. After 78 years of independence, Himachal has become a fully literate state." "For this, congratulations to everyone. My mother had studied up to the fifth grade, my father up to the seventh, but they were hardworking and educated us. I also worked hard and reached the position of Chief Minister," he added.

 

What Is ULLAS Scheme?

ULLAS - Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, also known as the New India Literacy Programme (NILP), is a centrally sponsored initiative that aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It aims to empower adults aged 15 and above from all backgrounds who missed formal schooling, helping them integrate into society and contribute to the nation‘s growth.

Implemented through volunteerism, ULLAS promotes social responsibility and a sense of duty ‘Kartavya Bodh’, encouraging learners to access educational content in regional languages via the DIKSHA Portal and the ULLAS Mobile App/Portal.

Vision & Implementation Duration:

-The vision of the ULLAS Scheme is to make Bharat – ‘Jan Jan Saakshar’. The scheme is based on the spirit of ‘Kartvya Bodh’ (DUTY) and is being implemented through volunteerism.

-Government of India has approved the scheme for implementation during FYs 2022-2027.

What Is Criteria Follow To Become "Fully Literate State" Under ULLAS Scheme?

The To become a 'Fully Literate State', States and Union Territories must fulfil the following criteria: 

Over 95% Literacy Rate:

Under ULLAS Scheme, a state is considered fully literate when at least 95% of its population above the age of 15 years can read, write and perform basic numeracy required in daily life.

Holistic Skill Development:

Beyond reading and writing, learners must demonstrate proficiency in:

Financial Literacy: The ability to make data-backed financial decisions.

Digital Literacy: The knowledge to use and understand digital tools and platforms.

Critical Life Skills: Skills that help individuals manage life effectively.

Basic Education & Continuing Education: Ongoing learning opportunities and foundational knowledge.

Progress Of ULLAS Scheme:

In its fourth year, ULLAS Scheme has about 29.7 million learners and 4.5 million volunteers engaged. Implemented in hybrid mode, the scheme runs on volunteerism, with in-person training and workshops, while learning materials in 26 Indian languages are delivered digitally via TV, radio, and mobile apps.

Jan Andolan

Also Read: SSC CGL Admit card 2025 Live Updates : Steps To Download Tier 1 Hall Ticket At ssc.gov.in, Exam Dates & Direct Link Here

Other States & UT With Fully Literate Status:

In May 2025, Mizoram became the first fully literate state in India. According to a PIB release, the state’s literacy rate stood at 98.2% based on the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PFLS) survey data for 2023-24. However, Mizoram stood at third rank among all states with a literacy rate of 91.33%, as per the 2011 Census.

Goa was the second state to achieve full literacy under the ULLAS - New India Literacy Programme initiative. In May, the state was declared fully literate after its literacy rate surpassed the 95% benchmark, according to a PIB release.

Tripura became the third state, after Mizoram and Goa, to achieve full literacy status. In June 2025, the state was declared fully literate as it achieved a literacy rate of 95.6%.

Also Read: NIRF Engineering Rankings 2025: List Of Top 15 Colleges With Fee Structure And Other Details

Among the Union Territories, Ladakh is the only UT that has achieved this status. In June 2024, Ladakh achieved this coveted status after registering a literacy rate of 97% under the ULLAS initiative, which is being implemented from 2022 to 2027.