Himachal emerges among India’s top developed states with 0.78 HDI: Human Development Report 2025
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Shimla, Oct 27,
Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu released the Himachal Pradesh Human Development Report 2025 today, terming it a reflection of the State’s progress, resilience, and collective aspirations. The report, prepared with the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), showcases Himachal Pradesh’s remarkable journey in human development despite geographical and climatic challenges.
The Chief Minister announced that the State’s average Human Development Index (HDI) now stands at 0.78, significantly higher than the national average of 0.63, placing Himachal among India’s leading States in human development.
Highlighting the State’s social indicators, Sukhu said Himachal Pradesh has achieved full literacy, with a literacy rate of 99.30 percent. “In a recent national survey, Himachal ranked fifth in reading and writing competencies, a major leap from its 21st position in 2021,” he added. The infant mortality rate has fallen to 21 per 1,000 live births, underscoring the strength of the State’s healthcare system, while life expectancy has risen to 72 years.
He said the government’s focus extends beyond physical infrastructure to education, health, women empowerment, elderly care, and rural development, ensuring that growth is both holistic and inclusive. The poverty rate, he noted, has dropped below seven percent, a sign of balanced economic and social progress.
On environmental challenges, the Chief Minister expressed deep concern over climate change, calling it a global threat that demands collective action. “Himachal Pradesh has never exploited its forests, rivers, or mountains irresponsibly, yet it faces the brunt of global warming,” he said, recalling the heavy monsoon damage this year due to cloudbursts, floods, and landslides.
Sukhu stressed the need for human-centric, climate-resilient growth, urging global collaboration for sustainable development. “The world must act as one family to conserve nature and ensure planned economic development,” he said.
To mitigate climate impact, Sukhu outlined several green initiatives launched by his government, including the Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Start-up Scheme with an outlay of Rs 680 crore, providing 50% subsidy for e-taxis in its first phase. The Rajiv Gandhi Self-Employment Solar Energy Scheme offers interest subsidies of five percent in tribal and four percent in non-tribal areas for ground-mounted solar projects ranging from 100 kW to 2 MW.
Himachal, he said, has also become the first hill State to adopt a strong Electric Vehicle Policy, targeting 100% electrification of public transport by 2030, aligning with the State’s Green Goals.
During the event, Secretary (Planning) Sushil Kumar Singla presented report details, while UNDP Senior Economist Amy Mishra gave a technical presentation. UNDP Representative Dr. Angela Lusigi lauded Himachal’s progress in green budgeting, climate-sensitive governance, and decentralized decision-making, describing the State as a model for sustainable and inclusive growth.
The release ceremony 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 senior officials.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
