An e-literate citizenry is a key component of a successful e-governance strategy. The first step in taking ICT to the masses has been rolled-out in Kerala with Akshaya. KSITM is credited with conceptualising Akshaya, the first in the list of initiatives in Kerala, and perhaps in India, to reach out the benefits of ICT and IT to the masses.

Pilot in the one of the most backward districts of Malappuram in Kerala in 2002, the Akshaya initiative has evolved into one of the most dynamic interventions in public-private partnerships in the State. This project has transformed Malappuram from being one of the backward districts of Kerala to a cent per cent e-literate one.

The success of the pilot programme encouraged similar centres all across the State. A path-breaking venture, there are now 2200 Akshaya centres across the State that can support a host of services including payment of utility bills like telephone bills, e-filing, railway ticketing etc. The add-on services have been possible because Akshaya has been able to meet its principal objective of providing e-literacy.  Modalities are being worked out to provide facilities like providing educational courses in association with Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), cash transfer etc. through Akshaya centres.

Akshaya's deliverables include:

• Creating & expanding economic opportunities in the knowledge economy
• Empowering individuals and communities through enhanced access to information
• Modernising and upgrading skill sets of ordinary citizens
• Integrating communities through creation of e-networks
• Creating awareness of ICT tools and usage
• Generating e-content useful to the common man in local language
• Generation of service delivery points even in the remotest areas
• Generating at least 15,000 job opportunities
• Generating direct investment of over Rs. 500 crores

The Government of India has sanctioned the request of Government of Kerala to integrate the Akshaya Centers with the Common Service Centers scheme under the National E-Governance Programme (NeGP). Accordingly all Akshaya Centers are now Akshaya Common Service Centers. With this integration, all Akshaya CSCs are eligible for the CSC Broadband Concession Tariff.

For further details log on to www.akshaya.kerala.gov.in