Odisha Chief Secretary Urges Mandatory AI Training for State Officers to Build Future-Ready Governance

Bhubaneswar: In a decisive push toward digital transformation, Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, IAS has called for mandatory capacity building in Artificial Intelligence (AI) for all officers in the state administration. Emphasizing the urgency of upskilling in emerging technologies, he has directed government departments to ensure that officers complete at least one foundational AI course within the next three months.

In a letter addressed to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioner-cum-Secretaries, and District Collectors, Ahuja underscored that AI is poised to revolutionize governance—from enhancing citizen interfaces and improving grievance redressal mechanisms to enabling predictive analytics and optimizing service delivery.

“It is increasingly evident that innovations such as AI will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of governance,” the Chief Secretary wrote. “Understanding these technologies is essential for informed decision-making, citizen-centric policymaking, and effective data management.”

To facilitate this initiative, officers are encouraged to enroll in free online AI courses available on reputed platforms. Ahuja highlighted several recommended options, including:

• iGOT Karmayogi Portal:
  • Basic Concepts of Artificial Intelligence by Ministry of Communications
  • AI for Digital Transformation by Wadhwani Institute of Technology and Policy
  • AI in Government by IISc Bengaluru
• AI for All (Ministry of Education and Intel): https://ai-for-all.in
• AI for Everyone by deeplearning.ai: https://www.deeplearning.ai/courses/ai-for-everyone
• Elements of AI by University of Helsinki: https://www.elementsofai.com

Departments have been asked to appoint Nodal Officers to monitor progress, facilitate enrolment, and ensure completion of the courses. A consolidated report detailing the number of officers who have completed the courses must be submitted to the Chief Secretary’s office within the stipulated timeframe.

The initiative aligns with the Odisha government’s broader goal of building a digitally proficient and future-ready bureaucracy, capable of harnessing technological advancements for more effective and responsive governance.

Ahuja also sought the active cooperation of all Secretaries and District Collectors to ensure successful implementation of this important digital literacy drive.