AKSHAYA PROJECT

 The Akshaya project is an initiative by the Government of India to provide digital literacy and internet access to rural areas. 

Akshaya Project was launched by Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam as an e-literacy project in 2002.

The Akshaya project first started in the rural areas of Malappuram district of Kerala, India, and has now spread all around the state. The project was the first district-wide computer literacy project in India and one of the largest known Internet Protocol (IP) based wireless networks in the world. In November 2002, the state government of Kerala put into place a project, piloted in Malappuram, with the goal of at least one person in every family to be computer literate in that district. Malappuram is now what is said to be India's first E-literate District. The mission continues to make Kerala the first E-literate state in India.

The project started in 2002 in Ariyallur, Malappuram district under the Kerala State IT Mission. The project came into being as a result of the efforts of the leaders P. K. Kunhalikutty (former State Industries and IT Minister ) and key role Abdurahiman Randathani. With the encouragement of the then Kerala Chief Minister, A. K. Antony then Kerala Industries and IT Minister constituted a twenty committee of experts to make a e-literacy on establishing e-literacy project in the State.

OBJECTIVES

Achieving 100% digital and social inclusion by 'Connecting the Unconnected'. To improve services at the base of the delivery chain. Building collaborative relationships with citizens and other communities.

1. To create a network of internet-enabled centers in rural areas

2. To provide digital literacy training to rural communities

3. To bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas

KEY FEATURES

1. Establishment of Akshaya centers: These are internet-enabled centers set up in rural areas, providing access to digital services and training.

2. Digital literacy training: Training programs are conducted to educate rural communities on basic computer skills, internet usage, and online services.

3. Content development: Relevant digital content is created to cater to the needs of rural communities, including information on agriculture, health, education, and government services.

4. Service delivery: Akshaya centers offer various services, such as:

    - Internet access

    - Email

    - Online banking

    - Government services (e.g., pension disbursement, utility bill payments)

    - Telemedicine

    - Education and training

MISSION

• To bridge the gap between the ‘Information Rich and the Information Poor’.

• Transformation of Governance to provide efficient, transparent and convenient services to the Citizens through Information & Communication Technologies.

• Improving public service delivery by making services accessible to 'the common man' in her/his locality.

• To improve e-literacy in underserved areas and to provide a platform for Government to citizen services through a public-private partnership.

VISION

1) To improve services at the base of the delivery chain.

2) Building collaborative relationships with citizens and other communities.

3) Restructuring the programs so as to leverage the assets of Government to enhance the mission productivity.

4) Disseminating information to improve public communication and to encourage a shared understanding of public issues.

5) To promote and strengthen entrepreneurship through digital interventions.

BENEFITS

1. Improved digital literacy

2. Enhanced access to information and services

3. Economic empowerment through online opportunities

4. Bridging the digital divide

5. Inclusive growth and development

                The Akshaya project aims to transform rural India by providing digital access and skills, thereby promoting inclusive growth and development. To improve public service delivery by making services accessible to 'the common man' in his/her locality.