The Kerala government has taken a significant step towards embracing artificial intelligence (AI) in governance, tasking the Department of Information Technology to explore AI applications across various sectors. A virtual task force has been formed to study AI's scope in governance and recommend follow-up actions.
As part of this initiative, an AI-powered platform will consolidate up to 104 government services under a single digital umbrella, expected to go live within eight months. The first phase will integrate services like Revenue Department services, E-Grantz scholarship application system, welfare benefits from the Social Justice Department, and KSRTC bus ticket booking.
The Kerala IT Mission is also launching a new initiative employing chatbots to strengthen e-governance systems. Academic institutions like IIITM-K and NIT Calicut are advancing AI education and research, contributing to Kerala's expertise. Additionally, Thiruvananthapuram has been designated as Kerala's AI hub, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
The government aims to leverage AI to enhance efficiency, improve decision-making, and address complex challenges. However, concerns have been raised about the unregulated use of AI, including potential job losses and data privacy issues. The CPM has urged for strict controls over AI technologies, emphasizing the need for human oversight and safeguards. By harnessing the power of AI, Kerala can drive meaningful change and improve the lives of its citizens.
