After 18 years of literacy campaign, Nepal still has 112 local units to declare literate
Summary
Nepal has spent more than Rs 36 billion on literacy campaigns over 18 years, yet 112 local units in nine districts are still awaiting declaration as literate. Officials say Madhesh remains the biggest challenge, with no district there yet declared literate and the government now targeting literacy by fiscal year 2026/27.
Key Points
- The government has invested more than Rs 36 billion in literacy campaigns over 18 years, but Nepal still has 112 local units in nine districts left to declare literate.
- No district in Madhesh has been declared literate, making the province the main obstacle to Nepal’s national literacy target.
- The Education Department says literacy efforts must focus more on low-literacy areas, women, rural communities and older citizens rather than only raising the national average.
- Officials say the government is aiming to declare Nepal literate in fiscal year 2026/27, while also strengthening community learning centers and non-formal education.
