Bhubaneswar: Odisha has made its intentions clear in the rapidly evolving technology space, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stating that his government is firmly committed to AI led governance and citizen centric innovation. Addressing a regional conference on artificial intelligence, the chief minister said the state is building a strong and sustainable foundation to integrate AI into public administration and service delivery.
He emphasized that artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly strengthen governance systems, improve the speed and efficiency of services, and empower citizens by making government processes more accessible. According to him, India is witnessing a historic technological transformation, and Odisha aims to play an active and ambitious role in this national journey.
Building Momentum Ahead of a National AI Platform
The two day Regional AI Impact Conference is being held as a preparatory platform ahead of the larger AI Impact Summit scheduled next year in New Delhi. The event brought together policymakers, technologists, and administrators to discuss how artificial intelligence can be practically applied to governance and public welfare.
Odisha’s leadership sees the conference as an opportunity to showcase its growing digital readiness while also learning from national and global experiences. The discussions focused on applied use cases, ethical adoption, and the need to ensure that innovation translates into real benefits for citizens on the ground.
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Local Language Technology Takes Center Stage
State IT Minister Mukesh Mahaling expressed strong optimism about Odisha’s focus on developing local language based large language models. He said this approach would ensure that technology is not restricted by language barriers and can reach citizens in a more inclusive manner.
By prioritizing regional languages, the government aims to make digital services easier to understand and use, particularly for people in rural and semi urban areas. This focus reflects a broader effort to make technology more democratic and responsive to local needs.
Odisha Emerging as an AI Focused State
Senior officials from the Union IT Ministry noted that Odisha has steadily emerged as a prominent state in India’s artificial intelligence landscape. The state has recently outlined a comprehensive AI policy that emphasizes responsible adoption, practical applications, and ecosystem development.
This policy framework is designed to encourage innovation while ensuring transparency, accountability, and ethical use of technology. Officials believe that such a balanced approach is essential for building public trust and long term sustainability in AI driven governance.
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Strategic Partnerships and Digital Tools
State IT Secretary Vishal Dev announced several important partnerships aimed at strengthening Odisha’s AI capabilities. Collaborations with global and domestic technology firms are expected to support capacity building for students and government officials while improving internal administrative efficiency.
Among the initiatives highlighted was an AI powered chatbot called Sushasan SahAIYak, designed to assist government officials in improving productivity and managing workflows more effectively. The state is also working on enhancing its electronic file management system to reduce delays and improve transparency.
A Call to Act, Not Observe
Senior officials from other states echoed the urgency of embracing artificial intelligence. Uttar Pradesh IT Department principal secretary Anurag Yadav remarked that AI is no longer a concept of the future but a present day reality. He said governments must decide whether they want to actively shape this transformation or remain passive participants.
This sentiment resonated throughout the conference, reinforcing the idea that early adoption and thoughtful implementation can provide a significant advantage in governance and public service delivery.
A Glimpse Into Odisha’s AI Enabled Future
One of the major attractions at the event was the unveiling of the Odisha Vision 2036 Immersive AI Zone. The showcase offered visitors a preview of how artificial intelligence could transform key sectors such as healthcare, education, disaster management, governance, and citizen services.
Through interactive displays and simulations, the zone highlighted how AI driven solutions could improve response times, decision making, and overall quality of life. The initiative reflects Odisha’s broader ambition to align technology with long term development goals.
Setting the Tone for the Years Ahead
With a clear policy direction, strategic partnerships, and a strong focus on inclusivity, Odisha is positioning itself as a forward looking state in the AI era. The government’s emphasis on responsible innovation and citizen benefit suggests that artificial intelligence will play a central role in shaping governance models in the years to come.