THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Highlighting the achievements made by Kerala in information technology and communication sectors, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has announced the state as a fully digital state.
Delivering his Independence Day speech on Saturday, the chief minister said that wi-fi hotspots at all local body levels, cent per cent mobile governance and second-phase digital literacy drive would be initiated to make the digital initiatives of the state to its completion.
“The state was making revolutionary progress in the information technology and communication sectors. Cent per cent mobile penetration, 75 per cent e-literacy, high rate of digital banking, broad bank connectivity till panchayat level, e-district project in all districts and linking of Aadhaar and bank accounts had formed a strong basement for Digital Kerala,” Mr Chandy said.
He also said the government would launch a scheme to build houses for all possessing at least three cents of land. About one lakh houses will be constructed under this scheme this year itself.
A sustainable development council will be set up to check unscientific and over exploitation of natural resources.
In order to give shape to the dreams of youngsters, the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment will launch a scheme titled 'Dr A P J Abdul Kalam Youth Challenge'.
Ten university students coming up with best ideas would be provided Rs 5 lakh each every year and the best among the ten will be given Rs 50 lakh after a year for entrepreneurship, the chief minister said.
He also said the recently launched Vigilance Kerala scheme that aims at checking corruption with people's participation will be strengthened further.
