The Department of Digital Technologies and Governance (DDT&G), Government of Himachal Pradesh, in collaboration with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), organized a state-level workshop titled “AI for Good Governance: Driving Transparency, Efficiency, and Impact” on May 20, 2025, at the HP Secretariat, Shimla.

The event, part of NeGD’s Capacity Building initiative, aimed to enhance the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance by sensitizing over 100 senior officials from various state departments. The workshop underscored the pivotal role of AI in fostering data-driven policymaking, optimizing service delivery, and improving administrative efficiency.

Shri Gokul Butail, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister, Innovation & DTG, Himachal Pradesh, highlighted AI’s transformative potential in building a citizen-centric, innovation-driven governance model. Smt. Rakhil Kahlon, IAS, Secretary, Digital Technologies and Governance, emphasized the strategic importance of integrating AI into governance to enhance transparency, accountability, and service quality. She also stressed the need for ethical and inclusive AI deployment.

The workshop included technical sessions on key themes such as AI foundations, risk mitigation, adoption strategies, tools for smarter public administration, and building robust AI infrastructure. A special address by Sh. Mohit Chawla, IPS, DIG (CID), focused on cyber hygiene and managing AI-related risks.

Shri Nipun Jindal, IAS, Director, DDTG, delivered the Vote of Thanks, reaffirming the state’s commitment to digital transformation.

This initiative marks a significant milestone in Himachal Pradesh’s digital governance journey and affirms the government’s resolve to integrate AI-driven approaches for public service transformation. The workshop forms part of MeitY’s broader IndiaAI Mission. The Capacity Building (CB) scheme of NeGD is designed to empower state governments with domain expertise, practical exposure, and best practices in AI governance. Aligned with this national vision, the program is poised to catalyse the development of a resilient, inclusive, and ethically sound AI ecosystem tailored to Himachal Pradesh’s governance aspirations.

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Dharmendra Tewari /Navin Sreejith

(Release ID: 2130063)