Shimla, June 27 -- Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur on Friday hailed the state's remarkable turnaround in school education, declaring that it has reclaimed its position as a leader in educational outcomes.

"It is a matter of great pride for Himachal Pradesh that historically, from the time of Dr YS Parmar, the architect of modern Himachal, we have been known for achievements in education. Back in 1947, the literacy rate was merely 7 per cent, which rose to 83 per cent by 2011," Thakur told reporters in Shimla.

However, he acknowledged that in recent years, Himachal Pradesh had been witnessing a decline in the quality of education.

"The recent surveys conducted during the tenure of the previous government were worrying a...