Kerala has made history by becoming the first fully digitally literate state in India, a milestone officially declared by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at Central Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram. The achievement was realized through the ‘Digi-Keralam’ campaign of the Local Self Government Department (LSGD), which identified digitally illiterate citizens and trained them to use smartphones and access government services. Inspired by the pioneering Digi-Pullampara model, the campaign was rolled out statewide in 2023 to ensure that every citizen above 14 years of age attained basic digital literacy.
As part of the campaign, over 80 lakh households were surveyed, identifying more than 21 lakh digital illiterates, of whom 99.98% were successfully trained and passed evaluations. Training covered basic smartphone use, saving contacts, sending WhatsApp messages, browsing online platforms, and making digital payments for essential services like LPG and electricity. Notably, more than 15,000 trainees were above the age of 90, underlining the inclusivity of the programme. At the declaration event, the Chief Minister video-called 105-year-old Sri. M.A. Abdullah Moulavi Baqafi, one of the oldest learners, and interacted with 75 year old women who had become ambassadors of the campaign.
The campaign’s success was driven by over 2.57 lakh volunteers, including NSS, NCC, Kudumbashree workers, NYK members, students, SC/ST promoters, and library council members. The declaration ceremony was attended by Ministers M.B. Rajesh, G.R. Anil, K. Krishnankutty, and V. Sivankutty, along with Thiruvananthapuram Mayor Arya Rajendran and District Panchayat President Adv. D. Suresh Kumar. Kerala’s achievement sets a national benchmark in digital empowerment, advancing the goals of the Digital India Mission and establishing the state as a model for bridging the digital divide.
Hon’ble Chief Minister felicitated the Digi Keralam team for their exemplary contribution in completing the campaign. He gave mementos to Sri. Geromic George IAS, Principal Director LSGD, Sri. Suraj Shaji IAS, Director Urban, Sri. Rajeev V R, Deputy Director LSGD and Smt. Sajina Sathar, Assistant Director LSGD.