Akshaya- ‘Reforming Kerala through Digitization’

Information and communication technologies (ICT) have flooded the broader field of good governance for development through faster, inexpensive, and more systematic approach. Citizen empowerment is one of the key components of good Governance. Individuals and their democratic governance systems as a whole stand up for achieving benefit from better access to information and services. This will provide a transformative platform for the public sphere and increases their reachability to the Government.

As the population continues to grow in developing countries like India, more and more people will get isolated to the group of digital ‘have-nots’ unless Governments work together to dramatically expand access to information and knowledge. In order for e-government to be more inclusive, it must reach out to all segments of the population with e-services that meet the needs of the digitally disadvantaged by bridging the digital divide.

Kerala is the first State in India to take initiative for the mass transformation of ICT by the implementation of district-wide e-literacy project ‘AKSHAYA’ in 2002, with an intention of ‘Empowering Kerala’. The venture paved the way for the migration of Kerala to the first e-literate state.

Akshaya, an ambitious endeavor of the State of Kerala was inaugurated by Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, on November 18, 2002. The Government’s focus on digitization of the State has entailed a revolution in the design and operation of public services through the reinvention of service delivery channels. Emergence of digital organizations to create services led to better opportunities to meet citizens’ needs directing to increased social inclusion.

Akshaya- A Key Player in Financial Inclusion

1000+ Akshaya centers are equipped with banking kiosks and micro ATMs to offer the full spectrum of banking and insurance services at the door step of the citizens. This is to cater to the villagers residing in areas where there are lesser number of banks.  Kiosk banks are designed to be mutually beneficial to banks, Akshaya entrepreneurs, and the public. With the ownership of about 650 IRDA licenses, Akshaya centers offer insurance policies to the rural populace.

Role of Akshaya Centre Entrepreneurs (ACEs)

   1.Act as the key stake holders in the frame work

   2.Source of investment for setting up Akshaya centers

   3.Act as the delivery point for citizen services

Our Services

  1. Aadhaar enrolment
  2. e-District services
  3. Utility bill payment
  4. Ration card applications
  5. Motor vehicle license payments
  6. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana / Comprehensive Health 
  7. Insurance Agency of Kerala enrolments
  8. Labour welfare boards Aadhaar seeding
  9. Farmer’s data entry
  10. SC/ST pre-metric scholarship applications
  11. Commercial tax e-filing
  12. Food Business Operator (FBO) registration
  13. Pharmacist registrations
  14. Kerala Academy for Skills Excellence (KASE) registration
  15. Haj registration
  16. University Fee Payment