Fully Literate Himachal Pradesh: 5 Remarkable Milestones

Himachal Pradesh: Fully literate State

On International Literacy Day (September 8, 2025), Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declared Himachal Pradesh as a fully literate state.

• It was announced on an occasion conducted by the Directors School Education in Shimla.

Key Points: Fully Literate State

• Historic Achievement: Himachal Pradesh was declared to be 100 percent literate satisfying the goal in advance.
• Literacy Growth: The State started out with very little literacy of approximately 7 percent at the time of formation and advanced to complete literacy.
• Challenges Achieved: The State made steady promotional efforts in basic education within universal access obstacles in regard to geographical and infrastructural challenges.
• Pay Attention to Quality Education: CM concentrated on constant changes in education to make it presented to the current needs.
• Community Involvement: Operation: The success indicates close government efforts, civil involvement and sensitization.

About International Literacy Day:

• Observed on: September 8 every year.
• Established by: UNESCO in 1967.
• Purpose:

• As a way of sensitizing people on the worldwide issues concerning literacy.
• To boost the level of literacy as a basic human right and necessity to progress.

• Theme for 2025: “Literacy for a Sustainable Future: Building Resilient Societies through Education” (UNESCO declared).

As per the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023–24, the top five Indian states and union territories with the highest literacy levels are:

1. Mizoram: It tops off with a literacy rate of 98.2 thereby becoming the most literate state in India.
2. Lakshadweep (UT): It ranks at a second position with a literacy rate of 97.3.
3. Nagaland records a literacy rate of 95.7%, placing it third in the rankings.
4. Kerala: This state is characterized as a state of high literacy (95.3), and it takes the 4th place.
5. Meghalaya ranks fifth with a literacy rate of 94.2%.

How a state is declared  fully literate?

Proclaiming a state to be completely literate in India is a policy agenda with an approach of national and international literacy standards. Of course, this is not just the quest to achieve a 100 percent literacy rate, this is also to make sure that an individual assuming eligibility will be able to read, write, and make simple calculations. The most important requirements and processes are:

Process for Declaring a State as Fully Literate:

Defining Literacy:

• According to the Census of India, an individual is treated as literate if they:

• Able to read and write insightfully in any language.
• Are 7 years of age or above.
• Able to use basic arithmetic.

This definition is also used by the Ministry of Education and UNESCO.

Achievement of 96–100% Literacy Rate:

• To ensure that at least 96 days the population of the state aged 7 years and above are at least 96 per cent literate, In any state, there may still be a small portion of the population who remain illiterate due to various factors such as:

• Old age or disabilities.
• Migration issues.
• Other unavoidable circumstances.

Household Literacy Surveys

Before the declaration:

• A comprehensive door-to-door survey is conducted by the State Literacy Mission Authority (SLMA) or related body.
• Data is cross-verified by:

• School records (enrollment, attendance, dropouts).
• Village Education Committees.
• Local bodies like panchayats or urban ward committees.