In a proud moment for India, Kerala has become the first state in the country to achieve 100% digital literacy, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced at a grand ceremony in the state capital.
Calling it a “historic milestone in people’s empowerment,” the CM said the achievement puts Kerala among a handful of regions worldwide to attain such a feat. More than 2.5 lakh volunteers worked tirelessly over three years to train citizens across the state, from bustling cities to remote tribal hamlets.
“Kerala was the first to achieve complete literacy in 1991, and today, we stand proud as the first to achieve complete digital literacy. This is a collective victory of our people,” said Vijayan.
Inclusivity at Its Core
Initially targeted at citizens aged 14 to 65, the programme later expanded to include all age groups. Among the success stories was 104-year-old Abdullah Moulavi from Ernakulam, who became the oldest Keralite to achieve digital literacy.
A massive survey across 83 lakh people identified over 29 lakh as non-digital literates. Once age limits were removed, nearly 1.4 lakh elderly citizens (75–90 years) joined the initiative.
Foundation for a Digital Future
The CM reminded that Kerala was also the first state to declare internet access as a legal right, and through projects like K-Fone, affordable high-speed connections are being delivered to even the most remote corners.
Vijayan also announced Phase Two of the digital drive, under which all personal documents will be available in DigiLockers, making governance fully digital and accessible.
Currently, over 9,000 government services are already online, alongside the K-Smart apps of local self-governments.
A Model for India
Local Administration Minister M B Rajesh hailed the initiative as an “impossible dream made possible.” The project, launched in 2022, was completed on schedule, with 99.99% of learners passing evaluations.
Kerala’s achievement comes at a time when only 38% of Indian households possess digital literacy, making the state a beacon of progress and inclusivity for the rest of the nation.
