Chandigarh has achieved a major milestone by attaining a 99.93% literacy rate, making it a fully literate Union Territory. To celebrate this achievement, the Education Department of the Chandigarh Administration organised a “Felicitation Ceremony of Neo-Literates” under the ULLAS-Nav-Saksharon ka Alankaran Samaroh (Felicitation Ceremony of Neo-Literates), where newly literate individuals were honoured for their accomplishment.
The event was graced by the Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, as the Chief Guest, while Shri H. Rajesh Prasad, Chief Secretary, UT Chandigarh, attended as the Guest of Honour. The ceremony recognised the efforts of neo-literates and highlighted the importance of education in building an empowered society.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor described the achievement as a historic moment for Chandigarh. He said the success, achieved under the ULLAS, has helped the city surpass the 95% literacy benchmark set under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
With this accomplishment, Chandigarh has become the sixth state/UT in the country and the second Union Territory to achieve full literacy. Shri Kataria informed that Chandigarh’s literacy rate has increased from 93.7% to 99.93%, with 15,556 citizens participating in the programme and 14,711 successfully clearing the literacy assessment.
He also highlighted the remarkable rise in women’s literacy from 90.7% to 99.89%, calling it a significant step towards women’s empowerment. The Governor credited the achievement to the collective efforts of the Chandigarh Administration, Education Department, teachers, volunteers, NGOs and social organisations who worked tirelessly to reach non-literate citizens.
He also congratulated the neo-learners who gained both academic and digital literacy through the programme. Emphasising that literacy is the beginning of lifelong learning, Shri Kataria said education will play a crucial role in achieving the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.” He encouraged citizens to continue learning and contribute to building a knowledge-driven and progressive society.
Also present on the occasion were Ms. Prerna Puri, Secretary Education; Shri Nitish Singla, Director School Education; and Dr. Surender Singh Dahiya, Director, SCERT, UT Chandigarh, along with neo-literate citizens and officials of the Department of School Education and Chandigarh Administration.