‘National Learning Week’ at PMO
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Oct 22: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh has urged optimal use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Government working to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Speaking at a special session on AI organised for the staff of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) at South Block here, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the critical role AI can play in revolutionising governance, streamlining operations, and improving decision-making processes across various Government departments. The session, which saw participation from officers across all levels—from Section Officers to the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister to the Union Minister—was a unique demonstration of breaking hierarchical barriers within the PMO, with officials learning the same advanced concepts alongside each other.
Addressing the session, which included senior officials like Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr P.K. Mishra and Advisors to the PM, Amit Khare, Tarun Kapoor and other senior officers, Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored that AI has the power to automate routine tasks, freeing up Government officials to focus on more strategic areas of governance. He highlighted how AI could transform key sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and public service delivery, ensuring that Government departments become more efficient and public services more responsive to citizen needs.
The session was part of the ongoing “National Learning Week” under Mission Karmayogi, an ambitious capacity-building initiative spearheaded by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aimed at empowering Government employees with the knowledge and skills required to navigate the complexities of modern governance. The initiative focuses on creating a more agile, transparent, and effective bureaucracy, and today’s session on AI was a step in that direction.
Dr Jitendra Singh also emphasised the importance of deploying AI responsibly, stressing the need to safeguard data privacy, particularly in sensitive areas of Government functioning. “While AI holds immense potential for enhancing productivity, it must be implemented with caution to ensure confidentiality and data security,” the Minister said, adding that strong security measures are necessary to protect AI systems from cyber threats and unauthorised access. He also called attention to the ethical considerations in the use of AI, urging that fairness and transparency be maintained while avoiding biases in decision-making.
Participants at the session discussed AI’s role in advancing India’s national infrastructure, security, and economic growth. The collective learning atmosphere encouraged open dialogue on how AI can be leveraged to strengthen India’s digital backbone, improve public service delivery, and support the country’s long-term vision for sustainable growth. The session also marked the beginning of India’s first practical AI data bank, designed to accelerate technological growth over the next decade.
A significant highlight of the session was the call for the development of India’s first practical AI data bank. This initiative is expected to unlock AI’s potential for accelerated growth over the next decade, positioning India as a leader in practical AI applications. The roadmap for AI’s growth focused on a balanced model of development that ensures human-centricity, environmental sustainability, and resilience.
In concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to harnessing AI for nation-building, assuring that all efforts would be made to integrate AI responsibly into various government functions. He encouraged every government official to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by Mission Karmayogi, as the initiative continues to redefine governance by breaking down barriers, fostering inclusivity, and equipping India’s bureaucracy with the tools of tomorrow.
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