THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It has been agreed in principle to increase the rates at Akshaya Centers providing services in connection with the government. The IT department has tasked the Center for Management Development to conduct a study and submit a report on the rate hike. The owners were not in a position to run the establishment with the income at the rate fixed five years ago. Electricity, internet charges, building rent and employee wages have all increased significantly in five years.

It has also been decided to open more Akshaya Kendras. It is planned to make the distance between two Akshaya centres one and a half kilometres in panchayats and 700 meters in municipalities and 700 meters in corporations. Currently, there are 2,700 Akshaya Kendras.

The vigilance inspection had found that some Akshaya centres had voluntarily increased the rates. Later, the owners' association filed a complaint with the Chief Minister citing the crisis. Kerala Kaumudi had published the news titled 'Akshaya centres fighting for survival' on the 18th.

Implemented in 2018, a provision was made to renew the service charge every two years, but there was no change even after five years. The current rate is Rs.3 each for scanning and printing. It is demanded that it should be increased by at least Rs 5.

E-District, Ration Card, KNRK, UID Aadhaar services permitted to Akshaya Kendras are all done by private online centres now through an open portal and they are charging exorbitant fees as well.