WAYANAD DISTRICT PROFILE

The Wayanad Akshaya District Project Office, strategically situated at the Civil Station in Kalpetta, stands as the administrative backbone of the district’s digital empowerment and citizen service initiatives. With the District Collector serving as the Chief Coordinator and the District Project Manager leading the operations, this office oversees the seamless execution of various coordination and administrative responsibilities. Supported by a committed team of 10 staff members, the office plays a critical role in ensuring that government programs and digital initiatives reach the grassroots level efficiently and effectively.

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  Akshaya Project started in the year 2007 in this district as an objective to provide computer literacy to one member from each family,. At present  78 Akshaya Centres  2 Sub Centres and 1 help desks are working in the district. Over the years, the Wayanad Akshaya District Project Office has been instrumental in pioneering innovative projects, such as the widely acclaimed ABCD Project, which eventually evolved into a flagship initiative of the State Government. These projects not only addressed the immediate needs of the community but also set benchmarks for excellence, earning the office several state and national recognitions. The dedicated efforts of the team have consistently highlighted Wayanad’s unique contributions, often setting it apart from other districts in terms of innovation, community impact, and service delivery.

This office is not merely a center for administrative work; it is a beacon of inspiration, driving transformational change in Wayanad. By leveraging technology and fostering collaboration, the Akshaya District Project Office has touched the lives of countless citizens, bridging gaps and creating opportunities for a better future. Its legacy of commitment, hard work, and innovative approaches continues to resonate with every corner of the district, making it an indispensable pillar of Wayanad’s development story. The exemplary work of this team not only uplifts the district but also serves as a testament to what can be achieved through dedicated governance and community-focused initiatives.

Achievements

ABCD

The ABCD Project, an innovative and transformative initiative of the Wayanad Akshaya District Project Office, has been designed to ensure and secure six essential documents for the tribal community, thereby empowering them with the tools needed for a better livelihood. The six critical documents—Aadhaar Card, Ration Card, Election ID Card, Birth/Death Certificate, Bank Account, and Health Insurance—serve as the foundation for accessing various government schemes, social welfare benefits, and financial services. Understanding the challenges faced by the tribal community in acquiring these documents, the project adopted a systematic and inclusive approach to reach every corner of Wayanad.

Through the organization of dedicated camps across all Local Self-Government Departments (LSGDs), the project ensured the enrollment and documentation of tribal individuals efficiently and effectively. Furthermore, the establishment of "GothraSouhridha" counters provided a permanent solution for the tribal community, enabling them to access these services continuously and ensuring that new members in the community could also benefit from the initiative. This holistic and community-centric model addressed long-standing gaps in service delivery and brought marginalized populations into the mainstream administrative framework.

The impact and success of the ABCD Project have been widely recognized, with the initiative being shortlisted for several prestigious awards, including the National e-Governance Award, the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration, and the State e-Governance Award. Its unparalleled success in Wayanad led to its adoption as a prestigious program of the State Government, further cementing its status as a model of good governance and effective service delivery. The initiative has also been replicated in other districts, spreading its benefits far beyond Wayanad and solidifying its legacy as a milestone in empowering tribal communities. The ABCD Project is a testament to how innovative governance, combined with compassion and inclusivity, can create sustainable change and uplift the most vulnerable sections of society.

A 4 Aadhaar

The "A4 Aadhaar" initiative, spearheaded by the Wayanad Akshaya District Project Office in collaboration with the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department, is a remarkable project aimed at ensuring 100% Aadhaarenrollment for children under the age of five. Recognizing the critical importance of Aadhaar in enabling access to various government schemes and social welfare programs, particularly for marginalized and tribal communities, this initiative has been a transformative step towards inclusivity and equity. By prioritizing the enrollment of newborns and young children, "A4 Aadhaar" seeks to bridge gaps in service delivery and ensure that no child is left behind when it comes to receiving essential government support.

The project has been widely celebrated for its proactive approach and meticulous execution. Special appreciation from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has highlighted the initiative's success and impact, making it a benchmark for similar programs across the country. The Wayanad Akshaya District Project Office has not only facilitated the enrollment process through close coordination with the WCD Department but has also conducted extensive outreach in remote and tribal areas, overcoming logistical challenges to achieve its goals.

The success story of "A4 Aadhaar" in Wayanad has been so impactful that it has inspired other districts to replicate the model, further extending its benefits to children in various parts of the state. By ensuring that newborns and young children are seamlessly integrated into the Aadhaar system, the initiative continues to safeguard their right to access crucial government services and welfare programs from the very beginning of their lives. "A4 Aadhaar" is a shining example of how dedicated governance and innovative thinking can create lasting change, touching countless lives and setting a new standard for public service delivery.

UNIFORM

The UNIFORM Project (Unique Network for Mandatory Aadhaar Update) is a pioneering initiative launched by the Wayanad Akshaya District Project Office, with the primary objective of ensuring 100% biometric updates for children in the 5–7 and 15–17 age groups. This age-specific biometric update is a crucial requirement for maintaining the validity of Aadhaar, which serves as the foundation for accessing a wide range of government schemes and services. Recognizing the challenges faced by students and their families in completing these updates, the project adopts a highly accessible and student-centric approach. Camps are conducted at nearby schools by Akshaya Entrepreneurs, enabling students to update their biometric information without disrupting their academic schedule or losing valuable school time.

The project’s design emphasizes convenience, efficiency, and inclusivity, ensuring that even children in remote or underserved areas can easily access this essential service. By collaborating with schools and leveraging the local Akshaya network, the UNIFORM Project has successfully bridged gaps in service delivery and ensured widespread participation. The initiative has been met with overwhelming appreciation, receiving special recognition from the Director of UIDAI, Trivandrum, for its thoughtful execution and impactful outcomes.

With the continued support of the General Education Department, the UNIFORM Project remains an ongoing success, actively addressing the Aadhaar update requirements of children across the district. Its seamless integration with the school system and focus on minimizing disruptions to students' education have made it a model of efficiency and innovation. The project not only strengthens the Aadhaar framework in Wayanad but also underscores the importance of collaborative governance in delivering citizen-centric solutions. By ensuring that no child is left behind, the UNIFORM Project has set a benchmark for proactive public service delivery, reaffirming Wayanad’s leadership in innovative governance initiatives.

DC LIVE

DC LIVE (District Collector's Live Interaction for Vital Engagements) is an innovative and citizen-friendly initiative introduced by the Wayanad Akshaya District Project Office to facilitate the redressal of public grievances through a digital platform. This project leverages video conferencing technology to connect citizens directly with the District Collector, eliminating the need for extensive travel, especially in a district like Wayanad, where the unique terrain often poses challenges for physical accessibility. By utilizing the extensive network of AkshayaCenters spread across the district, residents can conveniently visit their nearest center to voice their concerns or grievances directly to the District Collector in real time.

The initiative is particularly impactful as it ensures inclusivity and accessibility for people from remote and tribal areas, who might otherwise face significant barriers in accessing administrative services. DC LIVE provides a platform for transparent, efficient, and prompt grievance redressal, strengthening the bond between the administration and the public. It also enables the District Collector to gain firsthand insights into the issues faced by citizens, fostering a more responsive and participatory governance model.

The program has garnered widespread appreciation for its effectiveness, as it saves time and resources for the public while maintaining the quality of service. It has become a model initiative in the realm of e-governance, demonstrating how technology can be harnessed to bridge gaps in governance and ensure that even the most marginalized communities have a voice. By transforming traditional grievance redressal mechanisms into a more accessible and interactive process, DC LIVE not only empowers citizens but also reinforces the government’s commitment to transparent and accountable administration. The initiative continues to make a significant impact, setting a benchmark for other districts to emulate and proving that even in challenging terrains, good governance can reach every citizen with the right use of technology.