New Delhi, February 17: In a significant push towards digital governance, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj is harnessing artificial intelligence to streamline operations at the grassroots level. Additional Secretary Sushil Kumar Lohani highlighted how AI is transforming panchayat activities, making services more accessible to rural citizens.
Speaking exclusively to a news agency, Lohani introduced ‘Sabhasar’, an innovative AI app designed to transcribe gram sabha meeting minutes into text within minutes. What once took panchayat secretaries three to four hours is now accomplished effortlessly, freeing up valuable time for community development.
The ministry is ramping up AI integration with plans for intelligent chatbots that will disseminate panchayat program information directly to citizens. Lohani emphasized ongoing efforts to expand these tools, ensuring real-time connectivity between government schemes and the people they serve.
The discussions unfolded at a landmark AI summit, drawing unprecedented participation from business leaders. Abhinit Kaul, Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships at Access Partnership, noted this as the first AI summit hosted in the Global South, focusing on practical AI implementations.
Professor PB Venkatarman, Dean of BITS Pilani WILP, showcased their stall highlighting AI’s role in education and industry. ‘This high-impact summit underscores AI’s potential across sectors,’ he said.
Brian Cute from the Global Cyber Alliance stressed responsible AI deployment. ‘Ethical AI can deliver immense global benefits,’ he affirmed, urging cautious advancement.
As India leads in grassroots AI adoption, these initiatives promise empowered panchayats and inclusive growth for millions.