Kerala becomes ‘first’ digitally-literate state in India

Kerala has created another history by becoming the first state in India – and one of the very few in the world – to achieve complete digital literacy. A proud milestone that marks a giant leap in our journey of progress and people’s empowerment. pic.twitter.com/FhqQ4hThYK

— Pinarayi Vijayan (@pinarayivijayan) August 21, 2025

In 2023, the state government launched the ‘Digi Keralam-complete digital literary programme’ with the prime goal of taking the digital revolution to all sections of people, irrespective of their age, and help them avail its e-services. A survey of 83 lakh households was conducted to identify the “digitally illiterate” and training sessions were conducted.

According to officials at the Local Self Government Department, 2.57 lakh trained volunteers – including MGNREGA supervisors, the National Service Scheme, the National Cadet Corps and the Nehru Yuva Kendra – conducted a survey covering 1.50 crore people in 83 lakh families. Later, 21 lakh digitally illiterate people, including elderly people over 90 were identified from the survey.

Of this group of identified individuals, 99.98 per cent – including 15,223 people over 90 – have successfully completed the programme, officials said.

The training programme had three modules with 15 activities – from sessions on photos and videos, making social media profiles to sending WhatsApp texts or making the simplest Google Search. Individuals were also trained in using the state’s platforms for online applications and booking essential services such as gas to help them retrieve OPTs. A significant part of the campaign was the state government’s ‘Satyameva Jayate’ campaign against fake news.