NEW DELHI: India’s literacy rate has risen from 74 per cent in 2011 to 80.9 per cent in 2023-24, but true progress will come only when literacy becomes a lived reality for every citizen, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has said.
“Literacy goes beyond reading and writing. It is a means to dignity, empowerment and self-reliance,” Pradhan said in his virtual address at a programme organised by the Ministry of Education at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, marking International Literacy Day 2025.
He highlighted the role of the ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, under which more than 3 crore learners and 42 lakh volunteers have enrolled.
The Government of India organised ULLAS Literacy Week 2025 from September 1 to 8, conducting a nationwide literacy drive to register non-literates, volunteers, and neo-learners across States and UTs.
“Nearly 1.83 crore learners have taken foundational literacy and numeracy assessments, with 90 per cent success. The programme now offers learning material in 26 Indian languages, making literacy truly inclusive,” he said.
Pradhan lauded Ladakh, Mizoram, Goa, Tripura and Himachal Pradesh for achieving full literacy, calling it a reaffirmation of the power of collective effort by government, society and volunteers. The programme now offers learning material in 26 Indian languages, making it more inclusive, he added.
The theme for this year’s celebration was “Promoting Literacy in the Digital Era”, highlighting the pivotal role of digital technology in enabling reading, writing, numeracy, and lifelong learning skills across the country.
Himachal Pradesh has become the fourth state to achieve full functional literacy, joining Tripura, Mizoram, and Goa in this significant milestone. On June 24, 2024, Ladakh was declared the first Union Territory to be fully literate.
Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary observed that the concept of literacy in India has expanded to include digital literacy.
“India has set an example for the world, particularly the Global South, by creating robust digital public infrastructure that has accelerated education and inclusion. Achievements that might have taken fifty years have been realised in just a decade through India’s digital innovations,” he said.
He outlined three key priorities for the future.
Key priorities
To sustain the spirit of volunteerism, as literacy spreads fastest when citizens take responsibility for one another’s learning
To integrate literacy with skills and livelihoods, ensuring that individuals experience immediate and tangible benefits
To continually broaden the definition of literacy, encompassing digital tools, financial literacy, and awareness of citizens’ rights and responsibilities
During the occasion, the ULLAS Compendium was released, showcasing a diverse collection of teaching and learning materials that celebrate India’s rich linguistic, cultural, and social heritage.
The programme was also attended by Kishor Barman, Minister of Education, Tripura; Dr. Vanlalthlana, Minister of Education, Mizoram, and Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, DoSEL, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Education, NCERT, CBSE, KVS, NVS, NCTE, NIOS, State/UT Education Departments, Volunteer Teachers, Learners, Neo-Literates, and other stakeholders.