Growing Use of AI in Bureaucracy & Public Services

In India, artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly becoming a critical instrument for administration. It has transformed the way the government operates and provides services to residents. AI has had a substantial influence on a variety of sectors, including healthcare, education, agriculture, transportation, and the bureaucracy itself. The Indian government has launched a number of measures to incorporate AI into governance and encourage the growth of the country's machine learning ecosystem.

Here is a look at how AI is being used in various administration areas and how it affects the delivery of public services to citizens.

Healthcare

The Indian government has initiated various AI-based projects to improve the quality and accessibility of healthcare services. According to a report by PwC, the use of AI in healthcare can save up to 20-25% of healthcare costs. In 2023, the government launched an AI-based platform called National Health Stack, which aims to create a centralized healthcare system that provides seamless healthcare services to citizens. The platform will integrate various healthcare databases and use AI to predict disease outbreaks, track disease trends, and improve healthcare planning.

AI in Bureaucracy 

The use of AI in Indian bureaucracy has the potential to improve efficiency and reduce bureaucratic red tape. In 2023, the Indian government launched an AI-based platform called e-Office, which aims to digitize the entire government workflow. The platform uses AI to automate routine tasks, such as file management and document processing, and reduce the workload on government officials. The platform has been implemented in several government departments, and it has resulted in significant improvements in efficiency and transparency.

Another use of AI in Indian bureaucracy is in the recruiting process. In 2023, the Staff Selection Commission (SSC), which is responsible for recruiting staff for various government departments, implemented an AI-based system for conducting exams. The technology employs machine learning to analyse the performance of applicants and deliver fast results. The method has shortened the time required to process the test results and increased the accuracy of the results.

AI is also used to oversee government strategies and initiatives in the Indian administration. In 2023, the government established PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation), an AI-based portal designed to track the success of numerous government projects and policies. The platform employs algorithms to evaluate data and give real-time insights about the execution of administrative services. The platform aided in identifying implementation obstacles and enhanced government service delivery..

E-governance

E-governance is another sector where AI has significant potential. The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote e-governance, such as the Digital India program. In 2023, the government launched an AI-based platform called MyGov AI, which aims to create a participatory governance platform. The platform will use AI to analyze citizen feedback and create policies that align with citizen preferences.

Education

The education sector in India has also witnessed significant changes due to the integration of AI. The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote AI in education, such as the National Program on Artificial Intelligence in Education (NPAIE). In 2023, the government launched an AI-based platform called Diksha, which aims to provide personalised learning to students. The platform uses AI to analyze student behaviour, preferences, and learning patterns to create customized learning paths.

Agriculture

Agriculture is a crucial sector for the Indian economy, and the integration of AI has the potential to improve productivity and efficiency in the sector. The government has launched several AI-based projects, such as the Kisan Suvidha app, which provides farmers with information on weather forecasts, market prices, and crop patterns. In 2023, the government launched an AI-based platform called AgriStack, which aims to provide farmers with personalized advice on crop management and irrigation techniques.

Transportation

The Indian government has also taken initiatives to integrate AI in the transportation sector to improve safety, and efficiency, and reduce traffic congestion. In 2023, the government launched an AI-based project called Intelligent Transport Management System (ITMS) to create an intelligent transport network. The system will use AI to monitor traffic flow, predict traffic congestion, and provide real-time traffic updates to commuters.

Challenges

The use of machine learning in governance has the potential to fundamentally alter the way India's government operates and provides services to its residents. It has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency, openness, and accountability of the Indian bureaucracy. The Indian government has initiated several projects to promote AI in various fields, including healthcare, education, farming, mobility, and e-governance. 

However, several challenges also need to be addressed, including a lack of data privacy and security laws and the need for increased investment in AI research and development.  The experts also believe that the government should seek to build a strong indigenous AI ecosystem that supports innovation, research, and development in order to enable the smooth delivery of public services to the citizens.