Akshaya project to be introduced in all dists in one year

Thiruvananthapuram, Mar 13 (UNI) Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan today told the Assembly that the prestigious computer literacy project, 'Akshaya,' will be launched in all the districts of the state within one year.

Replying to questions by Mr Raju Abraham (CPI-M) and others, he said the government was taking all necessary steps to spread the ambitious project in all the remaining districts within a year.

Started as a pilot project in Malappuram district, the computer learning project, aimed at providing computer knowledge to one member in each family across the state, was later introduced in Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Pathanamthitta and Kollam districts, he informed.

Mr Achuthanandan claimed that in Malappuram district one member in almost all the families had received its benefit, besides another 10 lakh people in other seven districts.

The government would consider providing financial assistance to Akshya centers, if the Union Government provide such assistance, he said adding that if necessary the government would think about introducing the project at ward level in the panchayats.

Since the free software was comparatively cheaper, the government would encourage its usage, the Chief Minister said.

UNI