On August 2, 2024, the National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit No. 109 of Mar Elias College, Kottappady, in collaboration with Kottappady Grama Panchayat, conducted the Digi Kerala Survey. The program aimed to collect data to understand the level of digital literacy and access to digital resources among residents in the community. The initiative was part of the Kerala Government’s ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive access to digital technologies.
Objectives
To assess the current level of digital literacy among residents of Kottappady Grama Panchayat.
To identify households with limited or no access to digital infrastructure, such as smartphones, computers, and internet connectivity.
To collect data that would help the Panchayat and relevant authorities design effective programs to enhance digital inclusion.
To raise awareness among residents about the importance of digital literacy in the modern world.
A training session was organized for NSS volunteers, where they were instructed on how to conduct the survey, approach residents, and accurately record data. Volunteers were also briefed on the importance of maintaining confidentiality and respecting the privacy of respondents. Survey questionnaires and digital devices for data collection were prepared. Volunteers were divided into teams, each assigned to a specific area within the Panchayat. NSS volunteers, grouped into teams, visited households across different wards. They conducted face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires.
The data collected will be analyzed and shared with Kottappady Grama Panchayat to inform the planning of digital literacy workshops and infrastructure development projects. Based on the findings, the Panchayat, with the support of NSS Unit No. 109, plans to organize digital training sessions for different age groups, focusing on basic computer skills, internet safety, and accessing government e-services.The survey helped build rapport between NSS volunteers and community members, fostering a sense of collective responsibility for improving digital literacy.
The Digi Kerala Survey conducted on August 2, 2024, was a significant step towards understanding and addressing the digital divide in Kottappady Grama Panchayat. The active participation of NSS volunteers and the support of the Panchayat officials ensured the program's success. The collected data will serve as a foundation for future initiatives aimed at making Kottappady a digitally empowered community.
