Information Kerala Mission: A Step Towards Digital Empowerment in Kerala
Kerala, also dubbed as “God’s Own Country,” is famous for its lush green landscapes, exquisite backwaters, and serene beaches. However, the state has been going through a transformation in recent years, where it is being recognized as a hub of technological innovation. One of the key initiatives that have played a significant role in this transformation is the Information Kerala Mission (IKM).
IKM was launched in 2007 by the government of Kerala with the primary goal of achieving holistic development in the state with the help of technology. The mission aimed at leveraging the power of technology to improve the overall quality of life for the people of Kerala by providing them with easy and affordable access to innovative solutions. Under this mission, the state has made remarkable progress in the realm of digital India.
One of the key initiatives undertaken by IKM is the Akshaya project, which was launched in 2002, even before the inception of the mission. The project aimed at bridging the digital divide in the state and promoting e-literacy among the people. The project has been highly successful, and as of 2021, the state has achieved 100% digital literacy, making it the first state in India to achieve this feat.
Besides, the mission has undertaken numerous other projects that have impacted different sections of society positively. One such project is the e-District project, which aimed at providing various online services to people in a seamless and efficient manner. Through this project, citizens can access services such as birth and death certificates, ration card registration, and land records, among others, at the click of a button.
The mission has also been successful in transforming the education sector in the state. The IT@School project launched under the mission aimed at improving the quality of education in government schools by providing them with modern technology and infrastructure. The project has been instrumental in improving learning outcomes in schools, and the state has seen a significant rise in the education sector’s overall performance.
Apart from these, the mission has also played a significant role in promoting entrepreneurship in the state through its start-up initiatives. The Startup Village, launched in 2012, aimed at shaping the state as an entrepreneurial hub by providing a platform for start-ups to grow and prosper. The mission has also launched the Women Entrepreneurs program, which aimed at promoting women entrepreneurship in the state.
In conclusion, the Information Kerala Mission has been a crucial driving force behind the state’s digital transformation. The mission’s emphasis on providing easy access to innovative solutions has played a significant role in improving the overall quality of life for the people of Kerala. Through its various projects, the mission has transformed different sectors positively and has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide in the state. Kerala’s success story is a testament to the transformative power of technology when harnessed with the right vision.
