'Literacy rate up from 74% to 80.9% in 13 years'

HIMACHAL PRADESH BECOMES 'FULLY LITERATE STATE'

- MPOST BUREAU

India has recorded a steady rise in literacy, with the national rate climbing from 74 per cent in 2011 to 80.9 per cent in 2023-24, said Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday. Pradhan, speaking on International Literacy Day 2025, noted that while the figures mark progress, the ultimate goal remains ensuring literacy becomes a lived reality for every citizen.

"Literacy goes beyond reading and writing. It is a means to dignity, empowerment and self-reliance," Pradhan said during a virtual address. He underlined that the journey towards complete literacy must extend beyond statistics to genuine transformation in people's lives.

The government's flagship ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, launched to accelerate adult learning, has seen more than three crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers join its fold. Pradhan highlighted that 1.83 crore learners have already taken foundational literacy and numeracy assessments, with 90 per cent clearing the test.

"The programme now provides material in 26 Indian languages, making learning accessible and inclusive," he added.