Kerala’s Journey To Total Digital Literacy

Suraj Shaji IAS

Director (Urban),

Principal Directorate,

Local Self Government Department

Digi Keralam aimes to enhance digital literacy for all citizens aged 14 and above, adopting an inclusive approach that empowered entire families, rather than focusing solely on training one member per household.

Kerala has long been a leader in education, consistently setting benchmarks for the nation. The state’s dedication to inclusive growth and empowerment has been exemplified by its educational achievements. In 1991, Kerala became the first state in India to achieve total literacy, a milestone that set an inspiring precedent. The state’s continued focus on education is evident in its 2011 Census, which recorded Keralas’ highest literacy rate in India at 93.91%. This was well above the national average, with the literacy rate for women at 91.98% and men at 96.02%, compared to the national averages of 65.46% for women and 82.14% for men. However, in today’s digital age, literacy extends beyond reading and writing. The rise of technology has ushered in a new form of literacy—digital literacy. This essential skill encompasses more than just basic computer or smart phone usage; it involves the ability to navigate the internet, engage with digital platforms, and use technology to access essential services. As technology becomes intertwined with nearly every aspect of life, digital literacy has become a crucial skill for people of all ages, impacting education, work, communication, and daily transactions.

T he COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of digital skills. With schools, workplaces, and essential services moving online, access to technology and digital proficiency became more vital than ever. The pandemic also highlighted the digital divide, particularly in India, where a significant portion of the population lacked basic digital literacy. In response, the Indian government launched the Digital India initiative in 2015, aiming to create a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. This initiative introduced several digital literacy programs, including the National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) and the Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA), designed to equip citizens with essential digital skills.

In alignment with Digital India, Kerala launched its own campaign, Digi Keralam, to ensure that every citizen in the state became digitally literate. This initiative was inspired by KERALA CALLING 2025 FEBRUARY the success of the Digi Pullampara campaign, which made Pullampara the first Grama Panchayat in the country to achieve total digital literacy. Recognized nationally, Digi Pullampara became a model for the broader Digi Keralam program.

Digi Keralam aimed to achieve digital literacy for all citizens aged 14 and above, taking a broad and inclusive approach. Unlike many programs that focus on training one member per household, this initiative targeted entire families, ensuring that digital literacy reached a diverse group, including students, working professionals, and senior citizens. This inclusive model was key to its success, as it guaranteed that no one was left behind.

T he implementation of Digi Keralam was organized in three key phases: data collection, training, and evaluation. During the first phase, local authorities conducted surveys to identify citizens without basic digital skills. This helps to ensure that the program reached those most in need. In the second phase, training sessions were provided to participants, covering essential skills such as smartphone usage, internet navigation, and online access to government services. conducted in local languages to maximize engagement.

T he third phase focused on evaluating the participants’ progress. After completing the training, participants were assessed through a mobile app and web portal, where they demonstrated their newfound skills by completing tasks such as using smart phones to access government portals or make digital transactions.

T he success of Digi Keralam was largely due to the involvement of thousands of volunteers and local organizations. In true Kerala fashion, community participation played a central role, with over 2, 57,000 volunteers taking part in the initiative. Youth groups, in the initiative. Youth groups, Kudumbashree volunteers, Kerala State Literacy Mission Preraks, members of the Library Council, NSS, NCC, IEEE and various other organizations collaborated to ensure the program’s success. Local government representatives and ward committees played an essential role in implementing the initiative, reaching every corner of the State

T he results of Digi Keralam have been extraordinary. A survey was conducted involving 8,332,343 families (1, 50,64,296 individuals). As of the latest estimates, 21, 88,385 citizens who lacked digital literacy have been trained in smartphone usage, with 21, 84,985 passing the evaluation an impressive completion rate of 98%. This achievement makes Kerala the f irst state in India to attain total digital literacy, positioning it as a leader in digital empowerment.

Kerala’s achievement in digital literacy is not only a testament to its educational commitment but also to its ability to leverage technology for social empowerment. By ensuring that all its citizens are digitally literate, Kerala paves the way for a more inclusive and digitally connected future.

Looking ahead, Kerala’s success serves as a model for other states and regions to follow. With over 98% of its population now digitally literate, the state is leading the way in digital education and laying the foundation for a digitally empowered society. Through initiatives like Digi Keralam, stare has demonstrated that with the right vision, collaboration, and determination, it’s possible to ensure that every citizen has the skills necessary to thrive in the digital world.

Recognized nationally, Digi Pullampara became a model for the broader Digi Keralam program.