17 May 2023
Enhanced use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming a focal point for governments. Using AI in Governance and public policy is an excellent opportunity for citizen engagement, accountability, and interoperability. It is also an opportunity for governments to increase efficiency in governance. Building resilience toward livability, sustainability, and inclusivity has become crucial, especially in the post-pandemic era. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning open up arenas to build that resilience. It has already found practical applications in banking, cybersecurity, online customer support across industries, and virtual assistance.
Applications of AI
Artificial Intelligence, in simple words, is a human-like intelligence demonstrated by machines that perceive, synthesise and infer information. Telecommunication, finance, healthcare, and defence are some sectors that have successfully integrated AI to deal with a large amount of data. With its ability to learn, plan and solve problems, much like humans, it ensures seamless reception and transmission of information, making it a vital administrative tool that needs to be harnessed. The Indian Artificial Intelligence market is estimated to reach US$7.8 Billion by 2025.
AI in Governance
Economic viability, social equity, and preservation of the environment are the three pillars of sustainable development. The use of AI in public administration is essential in bridging the gap between the government and the people. A highly digitised world has made available a large amount of data and information. Systematic and ethical use of data promotes intelligent and effective public administration.
One of the most important applications of AI in administration is conducting elections through a computerised voting system. India is a leading advocate of enhanced use of AI for crime analysis to make the country safer for women, children, senior citizens, and other vulnerable sections of society. A profound impact of the use of AI is anticipated in the legal framework with the use of automated legal advice through augmentation tools.
Incorporating new technologies for intelligent public administration has become exceedingly important as we move towards a digital paradigm and transformation in the era of artificial intelligence. The complex process of policymaking can benefit from the use of AI techniques such as game theory, decision support optimisation, data processing, opinion mining, etc. AI technology has the potential to create sophisticated decision models for government capital planning and budgeting. It can positively impact the evolution of financial systems and regulations.
In public healthcare, AI techniques can be useful in the prediction of epidemic outbreaks. Valuable public-private partnerships can emerge as different stakeholders such as government policymakers, hospitals, and IT firms come together to address the challenges of the present and future.
AI integration in the Information, communication, and technology (ICT) sector can help in improving communication between the government and citizens. The public sector uses data management tools of AI for understanding the effects of policy.
One of the first sectors to adopt AI mechanisms is the banking sector. AI is significant in the financial management of public-private partnership projects.
Environmental Sustainability and AI
Machine learning and deep learning technologies of AI have a huge potential in energy and agriculture. In the energy sector, the energy consumption of the population can be calculated in real-time using intelligent network systems. AI finds application in predicting global warming using satellite data of solar radiation. Assessment of solar energy implementation methods through AI can help boost the use of renewable energy in the country.
India is currently a frontrunner in harnessing the potential of AI to offer personalised and interactive services through its digital platforms. The National Strategy for AI (NSAI) released in June 2018 highlights the ethical concerns and risks associated and efforts are made to standardise responsible AI and promote the adoption of the best practices. NITI Aayog has published a series of papers that outlines Responsible AI for All.
Environmental sustainability is where innovation and disruptions can be used efficiently to create long-lasting change in the context of climate change and economic inequality. An inclusive and sustainable growth agenda is essential to the prosperity of a country. To drive such an agenda, strategies designed for speed and flexibility are significant. Recent disruptions of Industry 4.0 are fast-paced and it’s the need of the hour to adapt to this definition of growth.
In conclusion, Artificial Intelligence is rapidly transforming the governance landscape in India, enabling the government to make more data-driven and informed decisions. The adoption of AI in various sectors of governance, such as healthcare, education, and agriculture, is helping to improve service delivery, enhance citizen engagement, and optimize resource utilization. However, there are also concerns about the potential risks and challenges associated with AI, such as privacy, bias, and accountability. Therefore, it is important for policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders to work together to develop a comprehensive framework for the ethical and responsible use of AI in governance, while also ensuring that it benefits all sections of society. By doing so, India can leverage the full potential of AI to build a more inclusive, efficient, and transparent governance system that empowers its citizens and promotes sustainable development.