State’s HDI Higher Than National Average: CM Sukhu Releases Himachal Pradesh Human Development Report 2025.
Shimla:
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today released the Himachal Pradesh Human Development Report–2025, highlighting the state’s remarkable strides in human development and sustainable progress. The report, unveiled at a formal ceremony in Shimla, showcases the state’s achievements in education, health, and social welfare, underscoring its resilience despite challenging geographical and climatic conditions.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Sukhu said, “It is a matter of pride that according to the Human Development Report–2025, the average Human Development Index (HDI) of Himachal Pradesh stands at 0.78, which is higher than the national average of 0.63.” He noted that the state has recently achieved the distinction of becoming fully literate, with a literacy rate of 99.30 percent.
The Chief Minister further stated that Himachal Pradesh has improved significantly in literacy outcomes, ranking 5th in the country in reading and writing competencies, up from 21st position in 2021. The infant mortality rate has also dropped to 21 per 1,000 live births, reflecting the success of the state’s healthcare initiatives.
Highlighting the state’s holistic approach to development, the Chief Minister said that the government has focused on both infrastructure and social welfare. “We have invested not only in roads, industries, agriculture, and horticulture but also in education, health, women empowerment, elderly care, and rural development,” he said. The life expectancy in the state has now risen to 72 years, while the poverty rate has declined to below seven percent, he added.
Expressing concern over the growing impact of climate change, Sukhu emphasized that it poses a global threat demanding collective action. “Himachal Pradesh has always advocated for environment-friendly and sustainable development. We have never exploited our forests, rivers, or mountains irresponsibly,” he remarked. However, he cautioned that the effects of global warming are now being felt severely, with the state suffering heavy losses during this year’s monsoon due to landslides, floods, and cloudbursts.
To address these challenges, the Chief Minister urged global cooperation for environmental conservation, stating, “The world must act as one family to ensure human-centric and climate-resilient development.”
Detailing the state’s climate initiatives, Sukhu announced several schemes to promote green and self-reliant growth. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme, with an outlay of Rs. 680 crore, the government is providing 50 percent subsidy for the purchase of e-taxis. Similarly, under the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Solar Energy Scheme, interest subsidies of five percent in tribal areas and four percent in non-tribal areas have been introduced for setting up ground-mounted solar projects ranging from 100 kW to 2 MW.
“Himachal Pradesh has become the first hill state to adopt a strong electric vehicle policy. Our goal is to electrify public transport by 2030 to achieve our green targets,” the Chief Minister announced.
During the event, Department Secretary Sushil Kumar Singla provided a detailed overview of the report, while UNDP Senior Economist Amy Mishra presented key findings. UNDP Representative Dr. Angela Lusigi lauded the state’s efforts in promoting green budgeting, climate-sensitive programs, sustainable development, and participatory governance for building long-term resilience.
The event was attended by Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. (Col.) Dhani Ram Shandil, Youth Services and Sports Minister Yadvendra Goma, Chairman of the 7th State Finance Commission Nand Lal, MLAs Suresh Kumar and Malendra Rajan, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Principal Secretary (Finance) Devesh Kumar, and other senior officials.
The Himachal Pradesh Human Development Report–2025, prepared with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), reflects the state’s continued commitment to inclusive growth, human welfare, and environmental sustainability — setting a benchmark for other hill states in the country.
