Kerala Launches 'Digital Square' to Transform Primary Education with Free Software

The Kerala government has launched 'Digital Square', a programme aimed at integrating digital technology into primary education across the state. The initiative was inaugurated by Minister for General Education N. Samsudheen on July 25, 2026, alongside a state-level orientation session for school heads. Over 4,000 headmasters and headmistresses from all 14 districts participated via video conferencing.

Digital Square is implemented by Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education (KITE), the technology wing of the General Education department, as part of the government's 100-day action plan. The programme targets students from Classes I to VII, focusing on improving digital skills, encouraging self-learning, and fostering creativity.

Notably, the initiative uses Free and Open Source Software (FOSS), ensuring no commercial restrictions. It includes features for students with special needs, such as audio assistance for visually impaired students and high-contrast displays for children with special needs (CWSN).

Government and aided primary schools with the required infrastructure will receive a software package containing educational applications like GCompris, e-Cube language tools, and software for music, digital drawing, and animation. The programme also introduces students to animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics (AVGC) concepts at an early age.

KITE CEO K. Anvar Sadath stated that the FOSS-based learning package provides safe, unrestricted digital learning tools. The event also saw the release of guidelines for implementing Digital Square and the launch of other initiatives under the 100-day programme, including the Cyber Safety Protocol 2026 to strengthen online safety in schools, and Tharapadham, a digital platform for monitoring learning progress, attendance, and remedial support. Additionally, the government announced the School Wiki-thon campaign to update local knowledge resources and plans to extend Little KITEs IT clubs to upper primary schools.