In a significant move to enhance the use of Artificial Intelligence in governance, the Department of IT and Electronics, Government of Uttar Pradesh in association with HCLSoftware, a global software company, organized an an intensive one-day AI Bootcamp – ‘Transforming Governance with AI’ for key officials from 30+ departments of UP Government in Lucknow.
The program was designed to empower government officials with skills needed to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence for delivering efficient, citizen-centric solutions. During the workshop, various grievances faced by senior officials were shared and addressed. The sessions equipped officials with the necessary knowledge to develop AI-driven policies that address current and future challenges, thereby fostering smarter governance.
The Bootcamp witnessed active participation from over 40+ civil servants and senior government officials who learned about the real-world applications of AI, continuous developments in AI, and how AI can contribute to the development of Uttar Pradesh. They also gained practical AI skills through sessions conducted by AI experts.
During the Bootcamp, insightful debates and discussions on the ethical use of AI were brought forth by the learned officers of the state, highlighting the urgency and excitement surrounding AI applications. Ensuring the ethical use of technology was emphasized as a crucial aspect. The discussions emphasized AI’s role in critical areas such as disaster management, social welfare and public administration, demonstrating how it can streamline operations and enable data-driven decision-making.
The Government of Uttar Pradesh is prioritizing the integration of AI to enhance citizen-centric services. The state is exploring AI technology to accelerate agricultural growth, optimize healthcare resource allocation, and improve education outcomes. Additionally, the state government is leveraging AI to create more job opportunities by upskilling youth with this technology.
Neha Jain, Special Secretary, IT and Electronics, Government of Uttar Pradesh and MD UPDESCO, said, “The AI Bootcamp was a great success, meeting our objective to provide knowledge and awareness about the usage of AI in public services. The session was very interactive and witnessed active participation from civil servants and senior government officers. We are encouraged to continue this partnership with HCLSoftware and organize more Bootcamps in the coming days.”
Abhishek Prakash, Chief Executive Officer, Invest UP, added: “The AI Bootcamp provided a unique opportunity for interaction between AI experts and government officers. This is beneficial for both sides as they can visualize and act on the common goal – transforming public service delivery and enhancing citizen-centric services in Uttar Pradesh. More such sessions on AI will surely benefit the govt. officers in implementing AI techniques in public services.”
Rajiv Shesh, Chief Revenue Officer, HCLSoftware, commented on the collaboration, “I congratulate the Uttar Pradesh government for their foresight in organizing this AI boot camp. The enthusiasm and insightful discussions among senior officials demonstrate a keen understanding of AI’s potential and the importance of ethical considerations. HCL Software is proud to partner with the state and contribute our expertise to drive AI adoption and ensure its responsible use.”
AI workshop for senior government officials
In yet another training session for above principal secretary level officials, a one-day AI Workshop is proposed to be held in the first week of September. The workshop will be conducted by Wadhwani Foundation.
According to Shekar Sivasubramanian, CEO, Wadhwani AI who signed an MoU with the UP government, “AI is a fast growing technology with vast applications right from the smartphones in our hands to accelerating social impact. The Wadhwani Institute of Artificial Intelligence sees a significant opportunity in Uttar Pradesh. Our mission is clear to systematically and efficiently deploy our solutions for the benefit of the people.”
“The MoU with the UP government enables us to scale multiple solutions across various sectors, including health, agriculture, education and urban development. We plan to leverage AI to bridge the gap between advanced technology and those needing it most,” he added.
Commenting on the AI Workshops, Anil Kumar Sagar, Principal Secretary, IT and Electronics, Government of Uttar Pradesh said, “We have collaborated with the Wadhwani Foundation and HCLSoftware to equip our officials with the necessary skills so that we can harness the potential of AI to drive innovation and enhance public service delivery. The state government will appoint nodal officers in future to facilitate the integration of AI solutions in the department operations and digital ecosystem.”
