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23. July 2025
The Potential of Artificial Intelligence in Enhancing Governance: A Perspective from India’s IT Secretary
As the world grapples with the complexities of governance, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. In this context, S Krishnan, the central government’s electronics and information technology secretary, shed light on the potential of AI to transform governance in his recent lecture at the United Service Institution of India.
India’s journey in developing responsible AI has been marked by a commitment to ethical and scalable AI development. The country’s forward-looking IndiaAI Mission aims to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration between the government, industry, and academia. This mission is expected to play a crucial role in shaping India’s digital future and addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the nation.
One area where AI has already started making a significant impact is in the realm of public grievance redressal. The Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) has seen a notable improvement in response times, with grievances being addressed 25% faster on average due to the use of AI. This is a testament to the potential of AI in streamlining bureaucratic processes and providing more efficient services to citizens.
AI can also assist in evaluating credit scores and distributing loans, thereby bridging the gap between formal and informal sectors. Formal lending remains extremely low in India, with small and remote businesses facing high administrative costs and risks involved. By leveraging data flows from sources like GST and other relevant systems, AI can help ascertain creditworthiness and provide access to debt.
India’s susceptibility to concerns about job losses linked to the rise of generative AI is lower compared to other nations. The proportion of white-collar jobs in India is considerably lower, which means that the risks of those jobs going away due to generative AI are not as grave in India as elsewhere. This perspective is a welcome relief for policymakers and industry leaders who have been grappling with the potential impact of AI on employment.
To address these concerns, Krishnan highlighted three significant AI summits that India has hosted or will host in the near future. The first summit addressed safety at Bletchley Park in the UK, while the second was held in Seoul. The third summit, centred on AI innovation, took place in Paris, and the next one is set to take place in Delhi, focusing on the effects of AI.
The emphasis on innovation and collaboration between governments, industry, and academia is a crucial aspect of India’s AI journey. Krishnan stressed that this space is where the embrace of innovation is more important, particularly in India’s context, both in terms of improving governance and using it as an opportunity for the economy to lead into the next generation.
The upcoming summit in Delhi promises to be a significant milestone in India’s AI journey. By examining the effects of AI, policymakers and industry leaders can gain valuable insights into how to harness its potential while mitigating its risks. This will be crucial in shaping a future where AI enhances governance and drives economic growth.
As AI continues to evolve and become more pervasive in various aspects of life, it is essential to have a nuanced understanding of its potential benefits and challenges. India’s IT secretary has provided a valuable perspective on the role that AI can play in enhancing governance, and the upcoming summit in Delhi promises to be a significant step towards realizing this vision.
The journey ahead will require continued collaboration and innovation between governments, industry, and academia. By working together, we can harness the potential of AI to drive positive change and create a brighter future for all.