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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionising the world, and Karnataka is no exception. As one of India’s leading technological hubs, Karnataka has the opportunity to harness AI to address various challenges in governance and public service. By integrating AI into government operations, the state can enhance efficiency, improve citizen services, and foster innovation, ultimately contributing to the broader national objective of becoming a product nation.

Karnataka has been at the forefront of AI adoption, leveraging its robust IT infrastructure, talent pool, and support of the government. Some of the cases in points include:

• Global Centre for Artificial Intelligence: This initiative, supported by the recent state cabinet approval, involves an investment of ₹28 crore to establish a Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence in Bengaluru. The Department of IT/BT will set up the center to foster responsible AI development, enhance technology governance, and drive digital transformation. They aim to establish Karnataka as a global leader in AI innovation and ethical AI practices. Earlier this year, under the leadership of the state’s IT-BT minister, Shri Priyank Kharge, also agreed to set up an AI CoE in the state in partnership with the World Economic Forum to facilitate the exchange of technological trends, fostering research collaboration, and actively responding to global issues.
• Global Capability Centers (GCC) Policy: The State Cabinet has also approved a comprehensive policy for Global Capability Centers, as Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K. Patil announced. This policy aims to position Karnataka as the preferred destination for multinational companies to set up their operations, leveraging the state’s talent pool and fostering AI-related operations. Initiatives like the Karnataka Digital Economy Mission are central to this vision, aiming to create a robust ecosystem that supports high-end technological development and employment.
• AI-Enabled Traffic Management Systems: Led by the Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic) M N Anucheth, the Traffic Management Center of Bangalore has implemented the Adaptive Traffic Control System (BATCS). This AI-powered system has significantly improved traffic flow and reduced congestion, decreasing travel times by up to 33% at key junctions across the city. The vision is to make urban commuting more efficient and less stressful. These systems have successfully reduced traffic congestion by 30% in key areas and improved emergency response times by 20%.
• AI for Digital Agriculture: Under the leadership of the Karnataka Agriculture Department, AI is used to analyse data, soil conditions, and crop health to provide farmers with personalised recommendations, leading to improved crop yields and resource efficiency. The vision is to make farming smarter and more sustainable. This initiative has increased crop yields by 15% and reduced water usage by 25% in participating regions.

This year’s edition of the University of Agricultural Sciences-Bengaluru’s Krishi Mela, with the theme “Climate-smart digital farming,” featured various innovative technologies, including drones for plucking coconuts and other farm operations, AI-based semi-automated tractors, and robotic technology-based machinery. The four-day Krishi Mela, which was held at the University’s GKVK campus in Bengaluru on November 14, will present technologies reportedly developed for the first time in the country. Additionally, ‘Raita Kare’ Kendras have been launched to address various issues on crop insurance, PM Kisan schemes, sowing, rainfall, weather, and pest management.

• AI in Healthcare: AI-powered diagnostic tools and telemedicine platforms, championed by the National Health Mission Karnataka, are being used to improve healthcare access and outcomes. The vision is to provide high-quality healthcare to all citizens, regardless of their location. These tools have reduced diagnostic times by 40% and increased patient reach by 50%, significantly improving healthcare delivery in rural areas.
• AI in Education: Karnataka has launched the Shiksha Co-pilot, an AI-powered digital assistant for teachers. In the first phase, 1,000 teachers across the state will be trained to use Shiksha Co-pilot, which aims to improve learning outcomes and empower teachers to create comprehensive, personalised teaching resources and learning experiences grounded in the local curriculum, language, and context. This initiative, a collaboration between Sikshana Foundation and Microsoft Research India, was launched by Madhu Bangarappa, Minister of School Education and Literacy. The project seeks to transform education by leveraging AI to provide tailored support to educators, thereby enhancing the overall quality of education in Karnataka.

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Key AI trends for the state that we can expect:

1. Maturation of AI Applications
   Karnataka, with its strong foundation in technology and a proactive government, is poised to witness a significant maturation of AI applications in the coming years. Building upon its successes in healthcare, agriculture, education, and finance, the state is expected to extend the benefits of AI to an even wider range of industries.
2. Ethical AI and Responsible Development
   Karnataka is expected to prioritise ethical AI development, ensuring that AI technologies are used responsibly and equitably. The state will likely implement stringent measures to mitigate bias in AI algorithms and models, promoting fairness and transparency. Additionally, robust data privacy and security frameworks will be established to safeguard sensitive information.
3. AI-Driven Innovation and Entrepreneurship
   Karnataka’s vibrant startup ecosystem will continue to flourish, attracting investment and fostering innovation in AI. Strong collaborations between academia and industry will drive cutting-edge research and development. By seeking international partnerships, Karnataka aims to stay at the forefront of global AI advancements.
4. AI for Social Good
   Karnataka is poised to leverage AI for societal betterment. AI will be instrumental in monitoring public health, predicting disease outbreaks, and tracking vaccination progress. In urban settings, AI-powered solutions will optimize traffic flow, enhance public transportation, and improve energy efficiency. Furthermore, AI will play a crucial role in disaster management, aiding in prediction, response, and recovery efforts.

G2C Benefits: Enhancing Government to Citizen Services

AI applications have the potential to transform the relationship between the government and its citizens by providing seamless services and improving transparency. Some G2C benefits include:

• Efficient Service Delivery
  AI-driven platforms can handle large volumes of citizen inquiries and requests, providing instant responses and reducing wait times. This improves the overall efficiency of service delivery and enhances citizen satisfaction.
• Personalised Citizen Engagement
  AI algorithms analyse citizen data to provide personalized services and information, ensuring that each citizen’s needs are addressed effectively. This leads to more meaningful and impactful interactions between the government and its citizens.
• Transparency and Accountability
  AI systems can track and record all interactions and transactions, ensuring transparency in government operations. This builds trust between the government and its citizens and holds public officials accountable for their actions.

AI in Government Departments: Streamlining Internal Operations
Beyond citizen services, AI can significantly improve the internal workings of government departments. Some of the key areas include:

• Data-Driven Decision Making
  AI enables government departments to analyze vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, providing insights that inform policy decisions and strategic planning. This leads to more effective and evidence-based governance.
• Operational Efficiency
  AI automates routine administrative tasks, freeing up government employees to focus on more complex and value-added activities. This enhances productivity and reduces operational costs.
• Resource Optimisation
  AI applications in resource management ensure that government resources are allocated efficiently and effectively. This includes optimizing the use of public funds, infrastructure, and human resources.

Impact on Industry and Society
The widespread adoption of AI in government has far-reaching implications for the industry and society. It drives innovation, creates new business opportunities, and fosters a culture of collaboration between the public and private sectors. Additionally, AI contributes to social development by improving public services, enhancing quality of life, and promoting sustainable growth.

Call to Action: Fostering Public-Private Partnerships
To maximise the benefits of AI, it is crucial to encourage public-private partnerships. Collaboration between the government and Indian software companies can lead to the development of an enhanced AI application ecosystem. This will not only drive innovation but also contribute to Aatmanirbhar Bharat by developing indigenous intellectual property (IP).

Governments, industry leaders, and educational institutions must work together to create a supportive environment for AI research, development, and deployment. By doing so, Karnataka can become a model state in AI adoption, achieving both state and national objectives.

Also Read | AI Shaping Customer Engagement in the Financial Sector

HCL Software is at the forefront of this transformation. By investing in AI research and collaborating with government entities, HCLSoftware is driving the development of innovative AI solutions that cater to the unique needs of Karnataka. Their efforts are not only enhancing the state’s technological capabilities but also contributing significantly towards building a self-reliant, Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

To Sum it Up
The integration of AI in Karnataka’s government operations has the potential to transform public services, improve governance, and drive economic growth. By embracing AI trends, adopting best practices, and fostering public-private partnerships, Karnataka can lead the way in creating a smarter, more efficient, and more inclusive future.

Views expressed by Dhruv Kohli, Head of Public Sector and GovTech, HCL Software

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