Himachal Pradesh Leads AI-Driven Governance Reform Through State-Level Workshop

In a landmark move to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into public administration, the Department of Digital Technologies and Governance (DDT&G), Government of Himachal Pradesh, in association with the National e-Governance Division (NeGD) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), organized a comprehensive state-level workshop titled “AI for Good Governance: Driving Transparency, Efficiency, and Impact” on May 20, 2025, at the HP Secretariat, Shimla.

This workshop is part of the ongoing Capacity Building (CB) initiative of NeGD, which supports the IndiaAI Mission — a national program designed to foster AI adoption across government sectors. With participation from over 100 senior officials representing multiple state departments, the event focused on how AI can be harnessed to revolutionize governance, bolster transparency, enhance service delivery, and drive evidence-based policymaking.

A Vision for AI-Enabled, Citizen-Centric Governance

The workshop was inaugurated with an inspiring address by Shri Gokul Butail, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister for Innovation & DTG, Himachal Pradesh. He emphasized the transformative potential of AI in constructing a citizen-first, innovation-led governance framework, one that not only digitizes services but also ensures they are accessible, personalized, and efficient.

Smt. Rakhil Kahlon, IAS, Secretary, Digital Technologies and Governance, elaborated on the strategic imperatives of AI deployment in public systems. She highlighted how AI tools can eliminate redundancies, streamline decision-making, and amplify accountability. Importantly, she reiterated the importance of ethical AI — stressing on inclusivity, privacy, and fairness — and the need to establish frameworks for responsible AI deployment that reflect Himachal Pradesh’s socio-cultural and administrative nuances.

Deep Dive into AI: Technical and Strategic Sessions

A key highlight of the workshop was a series of technical sessions aimed at demystifying AI for public officials, many of whom are at the forefront of policy implementation. These sessions covered:

• Fundamentals of AI and machine learning

• Risk assessment and mitigation strategies

• Adoption frameworks and policy integration

• Tools and platforms for AI-driven governance

• Cybersecurity, AI risks, and best practices for cyber hygiene

In a special address, Shri Mohit Chawla, IPS, DIG (CID), provided insights into AI-related security challenges, including issues related to data privacy, deepfakes, and malicious AI use. He shared practical methods to bolster cyber hygiene across departments and encouraged departments to proactively engage in AI risk audits.

Affirming Commitment to Digital Transformation

The workshop concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Shri Nipun Jindal, IAS, Director, DDT&G. He reaffirmed the government’s determination to leverage digital technologies, especially AI, to drive transformational changes in governance. He also appreciated NeGD and MeitY’s continuous support through the Capacity Building initiative, which has empowered state officials with the knowledge and tools required to lead the AI governance revolution from within.

Shri Jindal further noted that such capacity-building programs will be scaled up, with more department-specific training and hands-on AI solution development workshops planned in the coming months.

Building a Resilient AI Ecosystem for Himachal Pradesh

The workshop aligns with the broader goals of the IndiaAI Mission, aiming to create a resilient, inclusive, and context-aware AI ecosystem that can be scaled across different regions. With Himachal Pradesh taking an early lead, the state has signaled its intention to become a model for AI governance in the hill states of India.

The Capacity Building (CB) scheme under NeGD is central to this journey, providing states with access to technical know-how, policy toolkits, and inter-state knowledge sharing platforms. As Himachal Pradesh embraces these resources, it is set to redefine public service delivery, administrative decision-making, and citizen engagement through data-driven, AI-powered methods.

Looking Ahead

The successful conclusion of the “AI for Good Governance” workshop marks a critical step in Himachal Pradesh’s digital transformation roadmap. With a growing cadre of sensitized and trained officials, and a strategic focus on inclusive and ethical AI, the state is well-positioned to lead by example in the AI-driven governance revolution unfolding across India.