Chandigarh Achieves 99.93% Literacy: Stories of New Beginnings

Chandigarh has reached a near-universal literacy rate of 99.93%, a significant achievement celebrated by the education department. The ULLAS-Nav-Saksharon ka Alankaran Samaroh recognized newly-literate citizens, including 90-year-old Vimla Devi, who learned to read despite physical challenges. The program successfully enrolled 15,556 individuals, with 14,711 passing the literacy assessment, surpassing the 95% benchmark from the National Education Policy 2020. Women's literacy saw a substantial rise, increasing from 90.7% to 99.89%.

Inspiring stories emerged, such as an elderly couple in their 80s who learned to read and write together, and Aarti Yadav, 39, who gained independence through literacy. Educators played a vital role, with many teachers personally mentoring two to three learners for months. The initiative also introduced basic digital literacy, enabling elderly participants to use digital payments and navigate independently, showcasing the transformative impact of these efforts.