RUTRONIX to bridge digital divide in state

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Computer literacy has turned inevitable in the world with every sector making use of it to achieve bigger objectives. However, there is a digital divide between the rural and urban in Kerala, as computer literacy is still poor in the rural areas,  said Co-operation, Khadi and Village Industries Minister C N Balakrishnan. He was launching the concept of model campus for low cost computer-based education at the Thycaud guest house here on Wednesday.  The concept is to be carried forward by the Kerala State Rural Women’s Electronics Industrial co op Federation Ltd (RUTRONIX), which has been engaged in offering IT courses to students at a low cost for the last five years. RUTRONIX will spread the concept to computer centres across the state. Model campuses where more students would be able to learn computers at a low cost would be developed in these computer centres. ‘’The low course fee in the computer education provided by RUTRONIX will help to erase the digital divide and hopefully, Kerala will gain complete literacy through the programs,’’ the Minister said.   He said that the growth of an organisation lies in the concerted efforts put in by its employees. The staff in RUTRONIX centres across the state have worked diligently in spreading its objective in Kerala, for which the Minister applauded them.Prizes and cash awards were distributed by the Minister to students who achieved good marks in RUTRONIX computer programs. Scheduled Tribes and Youth affairs Minister P K Jayalakshmi congratulated the prize winners. ‘’Earlier, we were unaware of the facilities offered by the computers. But in the 21st century, even a small child knows how to operate a computer. Our country has developed a lot with the use of computer technology,’’ Jayalakshmi said.  RUTRONIX Managing Director P B Sugathakumar, Censer Trade and Development Corporation (CTDC) director Ajeemsha M, RUTRONIX course coordinator Jagadeesh were also present.