Bhubaneswar, May 3, 2025 – In a groundbreaking move toward digital governance, the Government of Odisha has recently mandated AI training for all government employees, requiring completion of a foundational AI course within three months. This initiative positions Odisha as one of the first states in India to make AI literacy compulsory for its administrative workforce.
Mandatory Training to Build Future-Ready Administration
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja issued the directive on April 15, instructing all departments to ensure their officers enroll in at least one foundational course in artificial intelligence. The training is available free of cost on reputable online platforms and must be completed within three months of the notification.
“AI has the potential to radically transform governance,” said Chief Secretary Ahuja during the inauguration of a consultative workshop on Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies. “This initiative is aimed at equipping our officers with essential skills to navigate the growing impact of AI across governance and service delivery.”
Odisha AI Mission Takes Shape
The mandatory training is part of a larger strategic push by the state government, which is in the process of establishing the ‘Odisha AI Mission’ along the lines of the national India AI Mission. A workshop titled “Brainstorming Workshop on Artificial Intelligence Strategy for Odisha” was recently held at the Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar to set the foundation for this ambitious initiative.
The state is collaborating with the Wadhwani Foundation to organize a series of workshops on AI and emerging technologies for government officials. “This workshop was the first in a series which will be organized to impart AI training to officials,” according to an official press release from the state government.
Expected Benefits of AI Implementation
The implementation of AI in government administration is expected to yield significant benefits across multiple dimensions:
Improved Decision-Making: AI tools can analyze vast amounts of data to provide insights for evidence-based policymaking.
- Enhanced Service Delivery: Citizens can expect faster processing of applications, requests, and grievances through AI-powered systems.
- Increased Transparency: Automated processes reduce human intervention, potentially decreasing opportunities for corruption.
- Cost Efficiency: Routine administrative tasks can be automated, freeing up human resources for more complex responsibilities.
- Better Resource Allocation: Data-driven insights will help the government allocate resources more effectively based on actual needs.
“Artificial intelligence is expected to play a transformative role in public administration, from improving citizen interaction with government services to predictive analytics and intelligent grievance redressal,” notes a government statement.
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Broader Digital Transformation
The AI training mandate aligns with Odisha’s broader digital transformation agenda. The state has already launched ‘Odisha for AI,’ a self-learning online program designed to raise public awareness about artificial intelligence and demystify the technology for people from various backgrounds.
In February 2025, the state announced plans for the Odisha AI Mission during the budget presentation, and in March, IT Minister Mahaling confirmed that a draft AI policy would be notified soon. The state has also formed an AI cell to guide the government in creating state-of-the-art computing infrastructure.
Pilot Projects Already Underway
Odisha has already begun implementing AI in specific sectors. In April 2025, it became the first state in India to pilot an AI tool for monitoring child growth, a project led by senior official Shubha Sarma. This pioneering initiative enhances accuracy in health monitoring for children.
Additionally, the agricultural sector has seen implementation of AI-driven farming tools, which received recognition from Microsoft founder Bill Gates during his March 2025 visit to India.
Officials believe that by pushing for widespread AI training among government employees, Odisha aims to build a digitally savvy bureaucracy equipped to leverage data, automation, and intelligent systems to solve complex governance challenges.
“This is not just about technological adaptation but about creating a culture of innovation within government,” said a senior official from the Electronics and IT Department. “When our officers understand AI capabilities, they can envision novel solutions to longstanding administrative challenges.”
Odisha The state government expects that this initiative will not only improve internal efficiency but also enhance the quality of citizen services, ultimately contributing to Odisha’s development goals.
