Bhubaneswar: In a push to modernize governance, Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja has directed all senior officers to undergo mandatory training in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The move aims to equip the state’s administrative workforce with cutting-edge skills to enhance decision-making, policy formulation, and public service delivery.
In an official communication, Ahuja emphasized that AI will play a crucial role in transforming governance—from predictive analytics and smart grievance redressal to efficient planning and monitoring. He urged Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioner-cum-Secretaries, and District Collectors to enroll in free online AI courses within three months.
Officers must complete at least one foundational AI course from reputed platforms such as the iGOT Karmayogi Portal, which offers programs by the Department of Telecommunications, Wadhwani Institute, and IISc Bengaluru. Other recommended platforms include “AI for All” (developed by the Ministry of Education and Intel), “AI for Everyone” by DeepLearning.AI, and the “Elements of AI” course by the University of Helsinki.
Nodal officers will be appointed in each department to monitor compliance, and a consolidated progress report must be submitted to the Chief Secretary’s office. Ahuja stressed that AI literacy is essential for data-driven governance and citizen-centric policies, urging full cooperation from all departments.
