Nayagarh, Odisha: Akshay Sunil Agrawal, a 2019 batch IAS officer from the Odisha cadre, is leading a transformative initiative to ensure computer education for every student in the Nayagarh district of Odisha. Currently serving as the District Collector, Agrawal has long been recognized for his progressive vision and strong-headed approach to governance, particularly in the realm of education.
With a firm belief in the transformative power of education, Agrawal has prioritized digital literacy for schoolchildren, especially in government-run schools. “I want all the children in my district to be digitally literate. That’s non-negotiable – it’s their right, and our responsibility.,” Agrawal told Indian Masterminds. “Computer education for students in government schools is my priority.”
Identifying the Gap: Despite the availability of computers in schools, Agrawal noticed that students lacked even basic digital skills such as operating Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, sending emails, and navigating online platforms like YouTube. Upon further investigation, he discovered that many computer labs were sitting unused, gathering dust due to the absence of a structured syllabus, trained teachers, and adequate motivation to push the initiative forward.
He said, “We’re not starting from scratch – the resources exist. It’s about reimagining the system, aligning the pieces, and making them work seamlessly for our students.”
Reflecting on this gap, Agrawal questioned: “How will these children survive in the modern world without these essential skills?”
The Digital Literacy Initiative: To address this issue, Agrawal launched a comprehensive digital literacy program aimed at bridging the digital divide in the district. The first step involved forming a committee to create a structured curriculum for computer education. The next phase included training teachers and integrating computer education into the weekly timetable. Agrawal emphasized that the program starts with basic computer skills and gradually advances to fundamental coding.
“Students now receive 2-3 hours of computer education every week,” Agrawal explained. “We begin with basic computer skills and progress to teaching coding fundamentals. The aim is to ensure that these children are equipped for the digital world.”
Success and Expansion: The initiative has already shown promising results. In the pilot phase, 56 government schools participated, and by April 2025, the program is set to expand across all 250 high schools in Nayagarh. This expansion will impact an estimated 40,000 to 50,000 students in the district. “The key lies in inspiring our teachers and officials to rally behind a larger mission — shaping a future-ready generation,” he said.
Agrawal has actively monitored progress through regular assessments, both in-person and online via Google Meet. “Initially, many children were afraid to even touch the computer. For them, it was a completely new device. But now, that fear is gone, and we’re building their confidence,” he remarked.
Community Engagement and Long-term Vision: In order to ensure the success and sustainability of the initiative, Agrawal has been engaging with both parents and political leaders. The initiative is in alignment with the Prime Minister’s Digital India mission and aims to empower students with digital skills, making them more employable and informed.
By promoting digital literacy in the present, Agrawal believes that the district’s youth will be better prepared for tomorrow’s challenges. “By ensuring digital literacy today, we are shaping the citizens who will lead this country tomorrow,” he said. “This isn’t just a skill-building project. It’s about dignity, access, and equal footing in a digital world.”
Agrawal’s simple yet effective approach to education is an inspiring model for bridging the digital divide and creating a brighter future for Nayagarh’s students. “Nayagarh can lead the way — showing how rural India doesn’t need to wait for change, it can create it,” he added.
