In the heart of Bihar’s capital, Patna, a pivotal one-day capacity-building workshop unfolded under the auspices of the Evaluation Directorate of the Planning and Development Department. Spearheaded by Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh, the event zeroed in on ‘Evaluation in Government: Frameworks, Methods, and Reporting.’ Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Dr. N. Vijayalakshmi, Principal Secretary Mayank Barbede, and Secretary Kanwal Tanuj, graced the occasion with their presence. A key highlight was the intensive discussion on harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize administrative efficiency.
Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh kicked off the proceedings with a compelling inaugural address. He underscored a persistent gap between expected and actual outcomes of government schemes. ‘To bridge this divide,’ he asserted, ‘we need two vital elements: continuous capacity building and the courage to embrace risks for innovation and improvement.’ Singh emphasized that data-driven decisions, impartial evaluations, and bold experimentation could dramatically enhance scheme effectiveness.
Dr. N. Vijayalakshmi, Additional Chief Secretary, elaborated on the Planning Department’s unique role. Unlike other departments, it adopts a holistic view, coordinating schemes across sectors and even calculating and publishing the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This integrated approach ensures cohesive development strategies.
The workshop featured an insightful session by former Development Commissioner S. Siddharth on ‘Use of AI in Data Analysis, Interpretation & Reporting.’ He stressed that modern officials must evolve beyond technical proficiency to become ‘AI Smart.’ Understanding AI responsibly, leveraging it for big data analysis, trend identification, predictive planning, and precise reporting is non-negotiable in today’s governance landscape. As Bihar pushes for smart administration, such initiatives signal a transformative shift towards tech-empowered public service.