Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, has said that the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into government operations can significantly enhance productivity and decision-making.
Speaking at a programme organised for officials of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as part of “National Learning Week,” Dr. Singh stressed AI’s transformative potential in governance.
The session, held at South Block, saw participation from officials across different levels of the PMO, including the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, P.K. Mishra, and other senior advisors. Dr. Singh noted that AI could automate routine tasks, freeing government personnel to focus on strategic areas, thereby streamlining operations across various departments.
Outliniing how AI could play a critical role in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and public service delivery, Dr. Singh said by leveraging AI technologies, government departments can improve their responsiveness to citizen needs and optimise service delivery.
According to Dr. Singh, Mission Karmayogi, spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is focused on upskilling government employees to navigate modern governance challenges. “The initiative promotes a collaborative and inclusive learning environment, where traditional hierarchies are dissolved, enabling collective learning and growth,” he stated.
Minister also discussed the responsible deployment of AI, stressing the need to safeguard data privacy and ensure security within government systems. “While AI holds immense potential for enhancing productivity, it must be implemented with caution to ensure confidentiality and data security,” he said, adding that strong measures are essential to protect systems from cyber threats and unauthorised access.
The discussions also delve into India’s first practical AI data bank, intended to accelerate technological growth over the next decade. The establishment of this data bank is viewed as a step toward developing AI applications that can support sustainable growth and modernisation across sectors such as infrastructure, security, and economic development.
The officials participating in the programme informed that multiple initiatives involving AI are also underway in other sectors across country.
Participants also discussed the ethical considerations involved in deploying AI, such as ensuring fairness, transparency, and avoiding bias in decision-making processes. The discussions highlighted the need for a balanced approach that focuses on the benefits of AI while mitigating risks associated with data security and privacy.
The session also addressed AI’s influence on global power dynamics and how AI technologies are impacting international relations. Officials stressed that India must develop an AI framework that is responsive to global geopolitical shifts, ensuring that the country remains competitive on the world stage.
Dr. Singh reiterated that the ongoing focus on AI is part of a broader strategy to equip India’s bureaucracy with the necessary tools and skills for the future, promoting a culture of inclusivity and collaboration within the public sector.
