Kerala Becomes India’s First Fully Digitally Literate State
Kerala recently achieved a landmark in India’s digital journey by becoming the first fully digitally literate State. This milestone marks the successful completion of the first phase of the Digi Kerala project. The initiative aimed to bridge the digital divide by equipping citizens with basic digital skills. The State’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced this achievement after surveys and training across all local bodies.
Survey and Training Coverage
- The Digi Kerala project conducted surveys covering 1.5 crore people from 83.46 lakh families.
- It identified 21.88 lakh digitally illiterate individuals.
- Nearly all—21.87 lakh or 99.98%—completed training and passed evaluations.
- This vast coverage ensured no demographic was left behind.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
The programme included people of all ages, including senior citizens. One notable participant was 104-year-old M.A. Abdullah Moulavi Baqavi from Ernakulam district. Training was delivered through local bodies, denoting Kerala’s strong decentralised governance. This grassroots approach ensured accessibility and community participation.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Digital literacy enables equitable access to e-governance services. Citizens can now access welfare schemes like Ayushman Bharat, PM-Kisan, and Jan Dhan digitally. This reduces dependency on intermediaries and promotes financial inclusion. It also helps marginalised groups and women overcome barriers to digital access.
Strengthening Digital Democracy
With digital skills, citizens can engage more effectively with government platforms. They can file grievances, submit Right to Information requests, and participate in online civic activities. This encourages transparency and accountability in governance. It also empowers people to hold authorities responsible.
Digital India Mission
Kerala’s success offers a replicable model for other States. Unlike projects focusing solely on infrastructure, Digi Kerala emphasises grassroots training. This ensures that digital tools reach all citizens and are effectively used. The approach aligns with the broader goals of the Digital India mission.
Socio-economic Empowerment
Digital literacy promotes livelihood opportunities and self-help group activities. It reduces exclusion of vulnerable groups by providing relevant skills. Small businesses and entrepreneurs benefit from enhanced digital capabilities. This contributes to inclusive economic growth and social upliftment.
Resilience in Governance
A digitally literate population can better respond to crises like pandemics and natural disasters. Online services and e-learning platforms become accessible to all. This strengthens the State’s capacity for effective governance and public service delivery.
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