‘Nodal Agency to State e-Governance’
Over the last few years, intensive efforts are being undertaken by the Government of Kerala to provide a stronger platform for the State's transition towards a knowledge-based society. The integral element of this effort is the promotion of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as a strategic driver to support and contribute directly to the growth of the economy as well as enhance the quality of life of the citizens. The Government of Kerala acknowledge ICT as a key enabler for the State's overall development and remains deeply committed to its dissemination, both as a crucial engine of economic growth and as a tool for increasing productivity, speed & transparency in governance. The State Government intends to define ways to leverage on ICT to transform the Public Sector’s internal operations and provision of Government services to the public. This transformation involves providing the services and information on an ‘anywhere and anytime’ basis.
The State Government announced its first IT Policy in 1998. It was followed by periodic amendments, which provided comprehensive support for the further development of the ICT sector. These policies have helped Kerala achieve unique distinctions as a preferred IT/ITES investment destination and a leader in E-governance.
The vision of e-Government is to create a collaborative environment that promotes the reinvention of governance by ensuring high-quality services to the public. Expectations are high and citizens now expect their public services to be equally accessible and convenient. The State Government envisions a future where all components of society can communicate and transact their operations in an effective and efficient manner.
Kerala Model of e-Governance:
The Government of Kerala has always been the harbinger in the implementation of various e-governance initiatives and has achieved the prestigious title of ‘first digital state in the country’. In 1999, Government of Kerala has taken the initiative of implementing a cross-cutting strategy to fully reap the opportunities of ICT with a more efficient and systemic approach, which finally resulted in the establishment of Kerala State IT Mission (KSITM). It was a strategic landmark initiative, which paved the way for several distinct achievements in the ICT sector in Kerala and thus maintaining Kerala always in the best place.
Kerala State IT Mission is the ICT nodal agency for e-Governance, operating under the Department of Electronics & Information Technology, Government of Kerala. It functions as an administrative autonomous body to provide Techno-Managerial support to all the e-Governance initiatives in the State.
KISTM is tasked with harnessing ICT and related engineering for public sector transformation. Our role includes deploying a wide range of ICT solutions within the public sector, growing new capabilities and talent to support digital service delivery, and developing a Smart State infrastructure and applications. KSITM advocates innovative technology to shape the way business is done within the Government. Citizens, being the most critical asset, KSITM envisions to transform Kerala as a Smart State.