Kerala became India’s first 100% digitally literate state

Kerala has become India’s first 100% digitally literate state, under which the state has taught at least one member of each family (5 years or older) to operate a computer and use the internet.

• Kerala has become India’s first 100% digitally literate state. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan made its official announcement on 21 August, 2025.
• This achievement stems from the “Digi Keralam” programme launched in 2023, which aims to extend the digital revolution and e-services to all residents, regardless of their age.
• It is also based on Kerala’s earlier Akshaya project, which made Malappuram India’s first e-literate district. For identifying the ‘digitally illiterate,’ surveys covered a total of 83.45 lakh families, including 1.51 crore people.

Inspiration behind the mission

• Sajina Sather, District Women Welfare Officer, initiated ‘Digi Pullampara,’ which was the predecessor of Digi Keralam. The plan to provide digital literacy to all residents of the Panchayat was launched in August 2021 under a five-member core team led by Panchayat President P.V. Rajesh.
• According to the digital literacy guidelines of the National Digital Literacy Mission, training is mandatory only for people up to 60 years of age, but Digi Pullampara and later Digi Keralam included people of all age groups, even those over 100 years old.
• In September 2022, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan declared Pullampara as Kerala’s first fully digitally literate Panchayat and also announced plans to expand this project statewide.

Definition of digital literacy

• It is “the ability of individuals and communities to understand and use digital technologies for meaningful actions in life situations.”
• A digitally literate family means that at least one member (5 years or older) can operate a computer and use the internet.

Kerala’s recognition of internet as a basic right

• On 07 November, 2019, the then Left Democratic Front government of Kerala announced that internet connection would be a basic right in the state, making it the first state in the country to do so.
• In 2023, the government launched the first phase of the Kerala Fiber Optic Network (KFON) project, aimed at ensuring universal internet access and reducing the digital divide.

Mizoram became the first Indian state to achieve full functional literacy

• According to the PLFS Survey 2023-24, Mizoram achieved 98.20% literacy, which is considered equivalent to full literacy as defined by the Ministry of Education. Thus, Mizoram became the first state to be declared fully functionally literate under Ullas (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society).
• The other two states are Goa and Tripura. The first Union Territory is Ladakh. Functional literacy refers to the achievement of a pre-determined level of reading, writing, and arithmetic skills.

About Ullas

• A centrally sponsored scheme aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• Duration: From financial year 2022-23 to 2026-27.
• Ministry: Ministry of Education.
• Target group: Adults aged 15 years and above from all backgrounds who have not received formal schooling.
• Components: Foundational literacy and numeracy, critical life skills, basic education, vocational skills, and continuing education.
• Use of regional languages: For accessing educational content through DIKSHA portal and Ullas mobile app/portal.
• Assessment & certification: FLNAT (Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test) is conducted twice a year or as required in local schools.