Everything You Need to Know About the Information Kerala Mission

The Information Kerala Mission (IKM) was launched in 2000 to make Kerala a fully digital state. With the goal of developing e-literacy and promoting e-governance, IKM has been successful in transforming the state’s information landscape. In this article, we look at everything you need to know about the Information Kerala Mission.

The Need for IKM

Before IKM, the state of Kerala was reeling under data processing challenges. Different departments were using different software, making it difficult to share information. Data security was a concern because sensitive information was easily accessible. There was a need for a unified system.

IKM’s Objectives

IKM was established with the objective of achieving the following:

1. Modernizing government functions using Information Technology (IT) and making them easily accessible for citizens.

2. Developing e-literacy and e-skills among the people of Kerala, so that they can use IT for their benefit.

3. Making government services accessible and transparent, thereby reducing corruption.

Digital Initiatives

IKM has implemented several digital initiatives that have made a positive impact on the state. Some of these initiatives include:

1. Akshaya Centers – These are one-stop e-Kiosks that provide government and private services to people in remote areas. There are over 3,000 Akshaya Centers in the state.

2. e-Tendering – IKM has introduced an online platform for all government tenders. This has reduced corruption and has made the tendering process transparent.

3. Sanketham – This is an electronic data interchange system that connects all government departments. This has made data processing faster and more efficient.

4. Online Tax Filing – The introduction of online tax filing systems has made it easy for citizens to pay their taxes.

Benefits of IKM

IKM has had several benefits for the people of Kerala. Some of these include:

1. Accessibility to government services – The introduction of e-governance has made it possible for citizens to access government services easily.

2. Employment opportunities – The establishment of IT parks in the state has provided employment opportunities to many.

3. Data security – The implementation of Sanketham has made data processing faster and more efficient while ensuring data security.

4. E-literacy – The development of e-literacy has provided people with the knowledge and skill to use IT for their benefit.

Conclusion

IKM has been a game-changer for the state of Kerala. Its digital initiatives have transformed the way government services are accessed and delivered. It has also enhanced data security and provided employment opportunities. The successful implementation of IKM serves as an example for other states to follow in their quest to become digital states.