Shrey Awasthi
On International Literacy Day, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stood at Shimla’s iconic Hotel Peterhoff and proudly declared Himachal Pradesh a “Purn Sakshar” (fully literate) state, with a literacy rate of 99.02%, the highest in India under the Ullas – New India Literacy Programme.
This announcement put Himachal ahead of Mizoram (98.02%), Lakshadweep (97.3%) and Tripura (97.3%), officially making it the number one literate state in the country.
This achievement is not just about numbers, but reflects decades of commitment. Himachal has consistently invested in schools and colleges, even in the remotest of villages.
Teachers have trekked miles through snow, parents have sacrificed and communities have supported the cause of education. From high female literacy to near-universal schooling, Himachal has set an example for India.
Yet, as celebrations echo, another reality casts a shadow: literacy without livelihood is a half victory.
Employment paradox
For decades, education has been seen as the surest path to employment. But today, thousands of educated Himachali youth are struggling to find meaningful jobs. The data speaks volumes.
The Economic Survey 2024-25 shows unemployment in Himachal has climbed to 5.4%, up from 3.3% in 2020-21. In rural areas, unemployment among men is 3.2% and among women 7%. In urban areas, the figures are far worse — 4.8% for men and a shocking 18.2% for women.
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (Q1 2025) paints an even grimmer picture for youth: 29.6% unemployment among those aged 15-29, more than double the national average of 14.6%. Among young women, the crisis is much higher at 32.5% in rural areas and 41.2% in urban areas.
Between April and December 2024, as many as 6,75,671 youth registered at employment exchanges, but only 5,439 (0.8%) secured jobs.
These numbers highlight a disturbing paradox: Himachal is fully literate but heavily unemployed.
Why literacy alone won’t be enough
Himachal Pradesh’s education system has produced degree holders in every field — arts, science, commerce, engineering and management. But having a degree does not guarantee a livelihood.
Overdependence on government jobs
For decades, government service has been the most desired career in Himachal Pradesh. But vacancies are shrinking, competition is fierce and recruitment processes are painfully slow, often hit by paper leaks and litigation.
The Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh industrial hub offers jobs, but mostly low-paying and repetitive factory work. Other districts remain industrially underdeveloped, leaving little scope for mass employment.
While youth continue to pursue traditional degrees, industries demand skills in IT, artificial intelligence, digital marketing, robotics and renewable energy. The result: educated youth without employable skills.
Seasonal, low-paying sectors
Agriculture and tourism remain the backbone of Himachal’s economy, but neither offers permanent or well-paying jobs. A postgraduate working as a seasonal hotel receptionist or apple picker is a tragic mismatch of talent and opportunity.
Absence of start-up ecosystem
Himachal lacks incubation centres, venture capital support and mentorship for entrepreneurs. Young people with ideas often migrate to Chandigarh, Delhi or Bangalore to pursue their dreams.
The reality is simple: literacy has raised aspirations, but the economy has not kept pace.
Way forward – From literacy to livelihood
If Himachal Pradesh’s literacy achievement is to truly empower society, the next mission must be employment generation. Some key steps include:
- Skilling for the Future
Skill development must go beyond basic certificates. Programmes should be tied to real industry demand — IT services, renewable energy, healthcare, tourism and modern agriculture. Himachal must train its youth not just to be literate, but to be globally employable. - Strengthening local industries
The state has enormous potential in agro-based industries. Food processing units for apples, plums and off-season vegetables can create thousands of jobs. - Kangra paintings, Chamba rumals and Kullu shawls can be promoted internationally. Pharma and textile clusters in Kangra and Una can be scaled up to generate large-scale employment.
- Tapping green economy
With abundant hydro potential and growing solar projects, Himachal can be a leader in green hydrogen, renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure. Thousands of technical jobs can be created if youth are trained and involved in these sectors. - Tourism with innovation
Tourism should not be limited to seasonal work in hotels. Himachal can diversify into adventure tourism, wellness retreats, spiritual tourism and eco-tourism. Digital platforms can help local youth market homestays and cultural experiences to global audiences. - Building a start-up culture
The government should create a Himachal Start-up Fund, set up incubation centres in every district and mentor young entrepreneurs. If the youth of Bengaluru and Gurugram can innovate, why not Shimla, Kangra or Solan?
While celebrating literacy, the government, therefore, must not overlook the growing anger among unemployed youth. Educated Himachali youth should not be forced to Chandigarh, Delhi or Mohali in search of work. Literacy without livelihood breeds frustration and frustration can quickly become a social crisis. The government must treat employment as the next literacy mission.
(The writer in the coordinator of HP Unemployed Youth Federation; views are personal)
