Sudurpaschim declared a literate province with over 96% literacy rate

Dhangadhi: Sudurpaschim Province has officially been declared a "Literate Province" after achieving a literacy rate of over 95% among its population aged 15 to 60 years.

The announcement was made by Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah at a formal program held in Dhangadhi. Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Shah emphasized the growing importance of timely and relevant education in the fast-evolving world of information and technology.

The declaration comes after the province recorded a literacy rate of 96.19% among 1,623,719 individuals within the targeted age group. According to Durga Dutta Bista, Director General of the Education Development Directorate in Dipayal, individuals are certified as literate if they meet at least six out of twelve literacy criteria. The declaration of the province follows a gradual process that began at the ward level and expanded through municipalities and districts.

Among the province’s nine districts, Darchula was the first to be declared literate, while Doti was the last. District-wise literacy rates in the 15–60 age group are as follows: Kailali (96.20%), Kanchanpur (96.21%), Achham (95.55%), Doti (96.55%), Bajura (97.31%), Bajhang (95.60%), Dadeldhura (96.8%), Baitadi (96.53%), and Darchula (95.40%).

This provincial milestone aligns with Nepal's broader national literacy campaign outlined in the "Literate Nepal Year 2076" concept paper. Sindhupalchok was the first district to be declared literate in Ashar 2071. To date, 66 districts across the country have achieved literate status.