CSI, Aptech embark on IT literacy mission

Computer Society of India (CSI) and Aptech have joined hands to provide free computer literacy called 'India Akshar Mission' programme to all strata of people.

The mission aims at empowering over 2.5 lakh citizens with IT literacy in 2003-04. As part of this drive, SSI Education and Aptech Computer Education will offer IT literacy programs priced at Rs 499 throughout India.

A joint press statement said Aptech Computer Education and SSI Education will also offer 10,000 courses absolutely free of cost to the underprivileged school children across India. This national drive will be carried out through various NGOs, governments and municipal schools throughout the nation.

P Unnikrishnan, the honourary director (education) of CSI, said, "the India Akshar Mission is an effort to take IT to populace across boundaries and age groups.

Efforts in this regard would prepare India to meet the new challenges of the era of e-governance and global competition. The association between CSI and Aptech Ltd is an excellent example of the coming together of a professional organisation with an industry partner."

The mission was launched for the first time in Kerala and is expected to be launched in Pondicherry next and extended to other states in India, the press release added.