Uttarakhand has taken a significant step in its educational journey after declaring itself a fully literate state, with its literacy rate surpassing 98 per cent. The state cabinet recently approved a proposal under the Centre’s ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) programme, which will now be forwarded to the Union government for final recognition. Once approved, Uttarakhand will become the sixth state in the country to achieve the distinction.

Joining the List of Fully Literate States

The achievement places Uttarakhand alongside Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim, which have already been recognised as fully literate under the ULLAS scheme.

Ladakh holds the distinction of being the first Union Territory in India to receive the certification. Under the programme, a state is considered fully literate when at least 95 per cent of its population aged 15 years and above can read and write, while also ensuring that educational opportunities reach adults who were previously deprived of literacy.

Uttrakhand Chief Minister (CM) |Pushkar Singh Dhami

Chief Minister Hails the Achievement

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami termed the development a matter of pride for the state and attributed the success to the collective efforts of teachers, students, volunteers, government officials and local communities.

According to him, the milestone reflects Uttarakhand’s commitment to quality education and is in line with the objectives laid down in the National Education Policy.

Steady Growth in Literacy Since State Formation

Meanwhile, the state’s educational progress has been marked by consistent growth since its formation in 2000.

According to Census figures, Uttarakhand’s literacy rate rose from 71.6 per cent in 2001 to 78.8 per cent in 2011, a figure that was higher than the national average during the same period. Over the years, the government intensified efforts to bridge educational gaps, especially among disadvantaged sections of society.

Targeted Campaigns Reached Marginalised Communities

Officials noted that several targeted literacy campaigns played a crucial role in achieving the feat. Special attention was given to women, residents of remote hill regions, and members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

The campaigns were supported by social organisations, corporate entities and local communities, ensuring that literacy initiatives reached even the most inaccessible areas.

A Landmark Milestone for Uttarakhand

With the literacy rate now crossing the 98 per cent mark, Uttarakhand is poised to join the ranks of India’s fully literate states.

The accomplishment is being viewed as a landmark moment in the state’s development and a testament to the power of community participation and sustained policy efforts in transforming the educational landscape.