Bhubaneswar: In a significant move towards digital transformation in governance, state govt has mandated training on artificial intelligence (AI) for all its officers. Chief secretary Manoj Ahuja issued a directive on Tuesday, asking govt officials to complete online AI courses within three months.
Govt stated that the AI learning programme aligns with its broader objective to develop a digitally competent and future-ready administrative workforce.
The initiative aims to enhance the technological capabilities of the state’s administrative machinery and prepare officials for the growing role of AI in governance. Mandatory online courses will cover fundamental concepts of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and their practical applications in public administration.
“With the emergence of new technologies, it is increasingly evident that new innovations such as AI will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of governance. AI has the potential to bring transformative changes in how govt functions — from making it easy for citizens to interface with govt, to predictive analysis, intelligent grievance redressal systems, planning, and monitoring service delivery outcomes,” read Ahuja’s letter to additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries, commissioners-cum-secretaries and district collectors.
The top bureaucrat said it is imperative that officers in the state administration build a working knowledge of the principles, tools and applications of AI. According to Ahuja, understanding these technologies is essential not only for informed decision-making but also for designing citizen-centric policies, managing largescale data systems and enhancing administrative responsiveness.
“All departments are requested to issue necessary instructions to the officers under their control to mandatorily enrol in and complete at least one foundational course in artificial intelligence. These courses are available free of cost on reputable platforms and are designed to offer both conceptual clarity and applied perspectives,” Ahuja said, adding, “Officers should complete these courses within a period of three months.”
As per Ahuja, free online courses can be availed on iGOT Karmayogi portal. He said officers can also enrol via other well-known platforms — https://ai-for-all.in, www.deeplearning.ai/courses/ai-for-everyone, www.elementsofai.com.
All govt departments have been advised to designate a nodal officer to oversee implementation, facilitate enrolment and ensure timely compliance of the order. The chief secretary said that a consolidated report indicating the number of officers who complete such courses should be submitted to his office.