A Landmark in Inclusive Development

CM speaks i Digi Keralam
Excerpts from the speech made by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan during the declaration of Kerala as the State with complete digital literacy

PINARAYI VIJAYAN

Kerala has once again set a historic benchmark by becoming the first state in the country to attain complete digital literacy. This milestone stands as a continuation of our legacy, recalling the landmark moment of April 1991 when Kerala was declared the first fully literate state. Today, we have advanced further—demonstrating that progress is sustainable only when built on inclusivity, vision and collective effort.

This achievement is the result of a meticulously designed and rigorously implemented strategy, inspired by the exemplary model of Pullampara Panchayat in T hiruvananthapuram district—the first in Kerala to achieve complete digital literacy. Overcoming significant challenges, Pullampara’s success was driven by the determination of its local representatives and the tireless contributions of volunteers who reached every household to empower senior citizens, homemakers and ordinary citizens with essential digital skills.

A Silent Revolution

The transformation is profound. People who were once unfamiliar with computers or smart phones now confidently manage online transactions, access e-governance services and engage actively on digital platforms reaffirming our position as a frontrunner in social advancement. Digital literacy—the capability to utilise digital devices and the internet for everyday tasks—remains a privilege for much of the world. Nationally, only 38 percent of households possess such skills. Within this context, Kerala’s universal achievement underscores the strength of our social infrastructure and the effectiveness of our governance model—one that places people at the centre of progress.

A Concerted Effort

This accomplishment is underpinned by extensive groundwork: a comprehensive survey of over 83 lakh households identified 21,88,398 learners, of whom 21,87,667 successfully completed certification, including 15,223 individuals above 90 years of age and 1,35,668 between 76 and 90. The endeavour was sustained by the commitment of 2,57,048 volunteers, including students, NSS, NCC and NYK members; armed forces volunteers, Kudumbashree workers, literacy mission promoters, SC ST promoters, employment guarantee scheme leaders, voluntary organisations such as the Library Council and technical personnel of the Local Self-Government Department. Their collective dedication deserves the highest recognition. Particular tribute must be paid to Kerala’s youth. Often criticised for over-engagement with digital devices, they instead demonstrated exceptional social responsibility—leading this transformation with zeal and empathy. They identified those left behind by technology within their own communities and guided them forward expecting nothing in return. Their contribution exemplifies the civic consciousness and progressive spirit of our younger generation.

None Left Behind

This government’s development philosophy is clear and unwavering: no one shall be excluded from the benefits of progress. This ethos has been fully realised in this initiative, which has reached even the remotest tribal settlements such as Idamalakudy, Attappady and Parambikulam. Yet, this success marks not an end but a beginning. We now embark on the second phase of this mission,

which will see the digitisation of essential personal records and their integration into DigiLocker— positioning Kerala to become the first state in India to adopt such a system universally. Furthermore, those who have achieved digital literacy will receive advanced training in cyber security awareness and the responsible use of digital platforms, ensuring that this empowerment is sustainable, ethical and future-ready. For digital literacy to truly transform lives, it must be complemented by robust digital infrastructure. For this, Kerala has not only declared the internet as a right, but is also taking steps to make it available to everyone. T he KFON project should be understood from this perspective. About one and a half lakh internet connections have already been provided through it. In addition, public Wi-Fi hotspots have also been established. In this way, we are setting a model for the entire country by providing internet facilities, regardless of rural or urban areas.

We now embark on the second phase, which will see the digitisation of essential personal records and their integration into DigiLocker.

The government has also taken steps to make all services smart. Currently, about nine hundred services are made available to the people online. In addition, the services of the Local Self-Government Department are also available through K-Smart. Today, no one has to go to government offices for services. Today, most of the services like income certificate, caste certificate, ration card services, birth and death certificates, filing police complaints, etc. are being done online. That is the change that has come about in Kerala. Steps have also been taken to provide certain government services to non-resident Malayalis without having to come to their homeland. The state government is effectively intervening in all areas of the digital network that has emerged in such a modern society. Kerala’s journey from universal literacy to universal digital literacy is more than a milestone; It demonstrates what is possible when vision aligns with public will, when inclusivity is prioritised and when governance is guided by a commitment to empowering every individual.