Kashmir, September 5,2026- J&K literacy rate has reached 98.43%, leading to Jammu and Kashmir being declared “Fully Literate”. The achievement marks a major milestone in education and literacy across the Union Territory.
Jammu and Kashmir has been declared a “Fully Literate” Union Territory after achieving a 98.43 percent literacy rate under the ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (NBSK), Education Minister Sakina Itoo announced, marking what officials are calling a historic milestone for the region. On Teachers’ Day, teachers and educationists in Poonch hailed the achievement as a proud moment, crediting the dedicated efforts of educators, officials, volunteers, and learners.
A Historic Announcement
Speaking during a Teachers’ Day event at SKICC Srinagar, Itoo said Jammu and Kashmir had earlier declared literacy achievements at the district level, with some districts remaining to be covered. The government has now declared the entire Union Territory fully literate, completing the process across Jammu and Kashmir. The minister added that Jammu and Kashmir now stands at number 10 in the country in terms of the achievement.
In a message on X, Itoo said, “With deep honour, I declare that Jammu & Kashmir has achieved the noble distinction of becoming a Fully Literate Union Territory, recording an outstanding literacy rate of 98.43% under the ULLAS–NBSK.” She added, “Jammu & Kashmir is now fully literate. Let us celebrate this with pride.”
ULLAS-NBSK: A Nationwide Adult Literacy Push
ULLAS, short for Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society, is the popular name for the Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, the Centre’s adult literacy programme aimed at improving literacy and continuing education among people aged 15 years and above. The initiative has focused on reaching learners across remote and underserved areas, working through a network of teachers, officials, and community volunteers to deliver basic literacy education.
Crediting Teachers, Officers, Volunteers and Learners
Itoo credited teachers, officers, volunteers, and learners for taking education into communities across Jammu and Kashmir and contributing to the achievement. “This achievement belongs to every teacher who taught, every volunteer who served, every officer who guided, and above all, every learner who chose to learn,” she said. In a separate post, she added, “From the mountains of Kashmir to the plains of Jammu, our teachers, officers, volunteers, and learners carried the torch of education into every community. Their dedication has transformed lives and strengthened the foundation of a brighter future.”
Gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah
The minister also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for his “visionary leadership, constant guidance, and unwavering commitment” towards strengthening education and empowering the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Poonch Educators Celebrate the Achievement
On the occasion of Teachers’ Day, teachers and educationists in Poonch hailed the announcement as a proud moment for the district and the wider Union Territory, crediting the sustained efforts of educators, government officials, volunteers, and learners who worked together to make the literacy campaign a success. Local educators noted that the achievement reflected years of grassroots effort, particularly in reaching adult learners in remote and border areas of the district who had previously lacked access to basic literacy education.
“Not the End of the Journey, But the Beginning”
Itoo emphasised that the declaration should not be viewed as the end of the education journey, but as the beginning of a new chapter. “This is not the end of our journey. It is the beginning of a new chapter,” she said, adding that education would continue to guide Jammu and Kashmir towards peace, progress, dignity, equality, and prosperity.
A Legacy for Future Generations
Describing the achievement as a collective victory, Itoo said, “This is your victory… your legacy… and your gift to generations yet to come.” As celebrations continue across the Union Territory, the milestone is being viewed as a significant step forward in Jammu and Kashmir’s broader educational and social development, with teachers and officials in districts like Poonch expressing hope that the momentum built through the campaign would continue to strengthen literacy and learning outcomes in the years ahead.