In a bold step for rural India, government officials are deploying AI to bridge the gap between panchayats and citizens. Sushil Kumar Lohani, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, revealed on Tuesday how cutting-edge technology is simplifying administrative burdens at the village level.
Central to this transformation is the ‘Sabhasar’ AI application, which converts audio from gram sabha meetings into structured text in mere minutes. Lohani explained that this task previously consumed hours of manual labor by panchayat secretaries, often leading to delays in record-keeping.
Looking ahead, the ministry is developing advanced chatbots to deliver panchayat services and program updates instantly to users. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and participation in local governance.
The announcements came during an influential AI summit, which saw robust attendance from industry stakeholders. Abhinit Kaul of Access Partnership described it as a pioneering event for the Global South, emphasizing actionable AI solutions over theory.
Academic voices added depth, with BITS Pilani’s Professor PB Venkatarman presenting demonstrations on AI in education—both teaching AI and using it in classrooms—and industrial applications.
Global perspectives were shared by Brian Cute of the Global Cyber Alliance, who advocated for ethical AI practices. ‘Responsible deployment unlocks worldwide advantages,’ he stated, highlighting cybersecurity synergies.
These developments signal a new era where technology empowers India’s 2.5 lakh panchayats, fostering efficient service delivery and community engagement.