Official Recognition & Platform Support

Poorna is a free and open-source Malayalam keyboard layout developed by Swathanthra Malayalam Computing (SMC). It is designed to provide efficient and error-free Malayalam typing while remaining fully compatible with government-approved Malayalam fonts and modern computing platforms.

ICFOSS Recognition

The International Centre for Free and Open Source Software (ICFOSS), an autonomous institution under the Government of Kerala, has officially acknowledged that the Poorna Keyboard can be used in government offices and public sector institutions for Malayalam computing.

This recognition highlights Poorna’s suitability for official use and its compliance with the requirements of Malayalam typing in government environments.

View the ICFOSS recognition document (PDF)

Government Recognition

Local Self Government Department (LSGD), Kerala

The Principal Directorate of the Local Self Government Department (LSGD), Government of Kerala, has acknowledged the usefulness of the Poorna Keyboard and recommended that local self-government institutions of Kerala state make it available for use by employees who require Malayalam typing.

View LSGD/PD/23615/2025-DPLB2 dated 17 September 2025 (PDF)

Kozhikode District LSGD

The Joint Director of the Local Self Government Department, Kozhikode, has issued a communication recommending the promotion and adoption of the Poorna Keyboard in local self-government institutions and related offices in Kozhikode district.

View LSGD/JD/KKD/638/2025-E3 dated 4 October 2025 (PDF)

State Election Commission Kerala

The Poorna Extended Malayalam InScript and Remington keyboard layouts are recognized by the Kerala State Election Commission as effective tools for typing in Malayalam.

View the Kerala State Election Commission keyboard guidance

Educational Adoption

Kerala Schools

Poorna is taught and used as part of Malayalam computing initiatives in educational institutions. Students in Kerala state syllabus schools are introduced to this keyboard layout, helping them learn efficient Malayalam typing using free software tools and standards-based input methods.

Poorna is referenced on page 8 of the Kerala State syllabus ICT textbooks:

• English ICT Textbook (page 8)
• Malayalam ICT Textbook (page 8)

Platform Availability

Poorna is available on major free software platforms and can be used without installing proprietary software.

X Keyboard Extension (XKB)

The Poorna layout has been incorporated into the X Keyboard Extension (XKB), making it available by default on many GNU/Linux distributions and desktop environments.

IBus m17n

Poorna is included in the m17n input method framework and is available through IBus, allowing users to type Malayalam across Linux desktops and applications.

Keyman

Poorna is available through the Keyman input platform, enabling Malayalam typing across multiple operating systems and devices.

Linux Distributions

Users can access the Poorna layout on many Linux distributions through:

• XKB keyboard layouts
• IBus m17n input methods
• Desktop environments that support standard Linux keyboard frameworks

Other Platforms

Through Keyman, the Poorna keyboard is available on:

• Microsoft Windows
• macOS
• iOS (iPhone and iPad)
• Android

This allows users to use the same keyboard layout across desktop and mobile platforms, ensuring a consistent Malayalam typing experience.