After its pioneering record in achieving cent per cent literacy, Kerala is set to emerge as a role-model for the country in computer literacy and e-governance with a host of state-sponsored programmes underway in the state.
While schemes like “Akshaya” had been able to impart basic knowledge of computers to a large number of people down the rungs of society, at the government level several projects to create inter-departmental as well as government-public linkage are also under way.
"The ultimate aim of these initiatives is to ensure better delivery of service to people. They are going most vibrant," said Kerala's Principal IT Secretary Ajay Kumar.
"Securing this goal requires a two-pronged approach. First, there should be inter-linkage in the government. Also, people should be empowered to make use of the services," he told PTI.
According to professionals running projects like IT Mission, Kerala, and IT@education, the state has certain "historical strengths" to emerge as a knowledge-based society like its universal literacy and education and impressive social parameters such as health care.
The government had already created a well-populated data centre with over 200 servers and 100 plus websites and web based applications. Soon, a wide area network linking civil stations in all 14 districts and the government secretariat and departmental head offices would be created.