Kerala has made history as the first state in India to achieve 100 percent digital literacy. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, speaking at a grand event at Central Stadium, called this achievement a source of immense pride—particularly in a nation where just 38 percent of households are digitally literate.

A Collective Effort by Volunteers

The achievement was made possible through the efforts of more than 2.5 lakh volunteers who worked tirelessly across the state. The campaign was completed in three phases. Initially, only people aged between 14 and 65 were trained. However, as interest grew, the programme expanded to include people of all age groups. Among the many inspiring stories was that of 104-year-old Abdullah Moulavi from Ernakulam district, who became the oldest person in the state to gain digital literacy. The Chief Minister personally interacted with him over a video call during the inauguration.

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Kerala’s Legacy of Literacy

“Kerala was the first to attain complete literacy back in April 1991, and now we are the first to achieve complete digital literacy as well,” Vijayan noted. He added that both achievements took place when the Left Democratic Front (LDF) was in power, underscoring the role of collective action by the people of the state. He also highlighted how Pullampara Panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram became the first to achieve full digital literacy, setting an example for the rest of the state.

Digital Literacy Beyond Numbers

Calling the milestone “another history created”, Vijayan stated on social media that Kerala is now one of the very few regions in the world to reach this level of digital empowerment. However, he stressed that digital literacy alone was not enough. Access to reliable, high-speed internet was essential for citizens to truly benefit. He reminded that Kerala was the first state in India to make internet access a legal right and that the K-Fone project is now delivering affordable high-speed internet to households across the state.

Inclusivity at the Core

The CM underlined Kerala’s commitment to equal opportunity, noting that even remote tribal hamlets like Edamalakudi were included in the digital literacy programme. A large-scale survey covering 83 lakh people identified nearly 29 lakh as digitally illiterate. Later, when the age restriction was lifted, 1.39 lakh people aged between 75 and 90 were trained as well. This inclusivity, he said, showcased the state’s determination to leave no one behind.

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Next Phase: DigiLocker for All

Looking ahead, Vijayan announced the launch of the project’s second phase. Under this, all personal documents of Kerala’s citizens will be made available through DigiLockers, giving people seamless access to their records online. Once again, Kerala would be the first state in the country to take such a step.

Youth Volunteers Drive the Change

The CM praised the young volunteers who played a pivotal role in teaching digital skills, calling them an example of Kerala’s vibrant social commitment. He also highlighted how the state government is pushing forward digital governance. Already, more than 9,000 government services have been digitised, alongside the K-Smart services provided by local self-governments.

A Proud Moment 

Kerala’s journey from being the first state to achieve total literacy to now becoming the first to reach total digital literacy reflects its forward-thinking approach and strong social fabric. “This is not just a milestone for Kerala but a model for the rest of India,” Vijayan emphasised.