Kerala ‘First’ Digitally Literate State in India

• 23 Aug 2025

Source: IE 

Kerala has been declared the first fully digitally literate state in India, marking a milestone in bridging the digital divide through the Digi Keralam Project. 

• Digi Keralam Project targeted senior citizens, homemakers, and digitally excluded groups, using youth volunteers and the K-SMART (Kerala Solutions for Managing Administrative Reformation and Transformation) platform to provide online access services, boosting inclusion and governance. 
• Earlier in 2002, the Akshaya project was launched by then President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam in Kerala, to make one family member digitally literate, promoting IT access and citizen service delivery across the state. 

Digital Literacy in India 

• Digital Literacy: It is the ability of individuals and communities to understand and use digital technologies for meaningful actions within life situations. 
  • According to the Central Board for Workers Education Only 38% of India households are digitally literate (61% in urban areas and 25% in rural areas). 
• Initiatives Promoting Digital Literacy:  
  • The Government of India implemented two digital literacy schemes, National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) and Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (DISHA), with a cumulative target of 52.50 lakh beneficiaries across the country (one person from every eligible household). 
    • Under these two schemes, 53.67 lakh beneficiaries were trained, with 42% from rural India. Both schemes have now been closed. 
  • Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA):  Aims to promote digital literacy in rural India,6.39 crore individuals trained nationwide till March 2024.

Read more: Right to Internet Access and Digital Literacy