THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Akshaya Centers, started as part of the digitalization of government services, are currently on the verge of shutting down. The Akshaya center owners are planning a protest against the government's decision to not change the service charge for the last seven years. Many such Akshaya centers conforming to the government fixed fee rates are now reeling in a crisis.
In 2018, service charges were implemented for Akshaya centres. It was decided that the fee would be revised once in two years, but the promise was not kept. When the rate was decided years back, a packet of paper was available at Rs 160, and now it has gone up to Rs 300. There has been a huge increase in electricity, internet charges, building rent, staff wages and printer ink. Even though the government has increased the service charges in most departments, including police and motor vehicle registration, Akshaya centers were left untouched.
FACE (Forum of Akshaya Center Entrepreneurs) points out that the reason for the crisis is the government's unwillingness to discuss or solve the problems.
Akshaya centres were started in 2002 under the IT Mission. The proposal was to have a room of at least 300 square feet, three computers and three employees. However, there also exist offices with 1000 square feet building, 10 computers and peripherals and up to 10 employees.
Rates announced by the State IT Mission for 36 types of services available through Akshaya Kendras.
There are a total of 2700 Akshaya centers in the state.