Uttarakhand Becomes India’s Sixth Fully Literate State, CM Dhami Calls Achievement a Matter of Pride
Full literacy is not the destination; it marks the beginning of a new journey towards digital and financial literacy and life skills: CM
Dehradun: Uttarakhand has achieved a major milestone in the field of education by becoming the sixth fully literate state in India. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami attended a programme organised at the Mukhya Sevak Sadan at the Chief Minister’s Camp Office on Tuesday to mark the achievement. He also felicitated neo-literates who successfully cleared examinations conducted by the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS).
Congratulating the people of Uttarakhand, Chief Minister Dhami said that becoming a fully literate state is a matter of pride for every resident of the state. He said the achievement is the result of the collective efforts and dedication of teachers, learners, neo-literates, volunteers and everyone associated with the literacy campaign.
The Chief Minister said that achieving the goal of full literacy in a state characterised by difficult geographical conditions, mountainous terrain and remote villages reflects the determination and collective strength of the people of Uttarakhand.
He said Uttarakhand has achieved the status under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram. After Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim, Uttarakhand has become the sixth fully literate state in the country.
‘There is No Age Limit for Learning’
Congratulating the neo-literates, CM Dhami said they have demonstrated that there is no age limit for learning and it is never too late to move forward. Education builds confidence and opens new opportunities in an individual’s life.
He emphasised that literacy in the present era cannot be limited to reading, writing or signing one’s name. Understanding rights and duties, digital technology, financial services, health awareness and life skills is equally important.
The Chief Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, continuous efforts are being made to make education more inclusive, modern and accessible. An educated individual not only transforms their own life but also contributes significantly to the progress of the family, society and nation.
Focus on Quality Education in Remote Areas
CM Dhami said the state government is working to improve the quality of education while ensuring the holistic development of students. Under the Nanda Gaura Yojana, eligible girl students are being provided financial assistance.
He said virtual classrooms and a central studio are being developed in 500 schools so that students in remote areas can also access quality education. The state currently has 189 Atal Utkrisht Schools.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the Mukhyamantri Balashray Yojana, under which free education is being ensured for orphaned children. Work is also underway to develop modern laboratories in 100 high schools and 100 intermediate-level schools.
Full Literacy Marks a New Beginning
The Chief Minister said the achievement of full literacy should not be treated as the final destination but as the beginning of a new phase. The state will now focus on expanding digital literacy, financial literacy, health awareness and life skills among citizens.
He said efforts would continue to ensure that every citizen is able to keep pace with technological changes and use digital tools to improve their quality of life.
Around 25,000 Volunteers Contributed to the Campaign
Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat said Uttarakhand had achieved the milestone of becoming a fully literate state under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. He said around 25,000 volunteers played an important role in making the literacy campaign successful.
He added that the state has now set a target of achieving 100 per cent literacy within the next six months. Under NEP 2020, the national target is to increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education to 50 per cent by 2035. Uttarakhand is moving rapidly towards achieving this objective, he said.
The Education Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring access to education for every child. He said schools in villages would not be closed if even a single child continues to study there.
MLA Savita Kapoor, Additional Secretary, Government of India, Archana Sharma Awasthi, Secretary Education Jyoti Yadav, Additional Secretary Namami Bansal and other concerned officials were present at the programme.
