Chandigarh Achieves Remarkable 99.93% Literacy Rate
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Chandigarh, March 10 (NationPress) - Chandigarh has reached a significant achievement by recording a literacy rate of 99.93 percent, declaring it a fully literate Union Territory (UT).
To commemorate this accomplishment, the Education Department of the Chandigarh Administration held a felicitation event on Tuesday as part of the ULLAS-Nav-Saksharon ka Alankaran Samaroh (celebration for the newly literate), honoring individuals who have recently become literate.
The event featured Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria as the Chief Guest, with Chief Secretary of Chandigarh, H. Rajesh Prasad, serving as the guest of honor.
This ceremony acknowledged the efforts of those who were previously illiterate and underscored the critical role of education in fostering an empowered society. During his address, the Governor heralded this milestone as a historic moment for Chandigarh.
He noted that the success attained through the ULLAS initiative has propelled the city beyond the 95 percent literacy target established by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
With this accomplishment, Chandigarh becomes the sixth state or UT in India, and the second UT to achieve complete literacy.
Governor Kataria explained that Chandigarh's literacy rate has surged from 93.7 to 99.93 percent, with 15,556 residents participating in the program and 14,711 successfully passing the literacy assessment.
The event also celebrated the remarkable increase in women's literacy, rising from 90.7 to 99.89 percent, marking a significant leap towards women's empowerment.
The Governor attributed this achievement to the collective efforts of the Chandigarh administration, the Education Department, educators, volunteers, NGOs, and social organizations that worked diligently to reach the non-literate population.
He extended congratulations to the new learners who have gained both academic and digital literacy through the program.
Emphasizing that literacy is merely the starting point of lifelong education, Governor Kataria expressed that education is fundamental in realizing the vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. He encouraged residents to continue their learning journey and contribute to the establishment of a knowledge-driven, progressive society.