In an an endeavour to modernise public administration, the Odisha government has made a three-month artificial intelligence (AI) training mandatory for all its officers. The directive mandates officers across all departments to complete at least one foundational AI course.
The decision aligns with the state’s broader objective to build a digitally-proficient and future-ready administrative workforce.
Instructions have been issued to departments to ensure compulsory enrolment and compliance with this new mandate. The training aims to familiarise government officials with core AI concepts, tools, and applications relevant to governance.
The courses, available free of cost on reputed online platforms, are designed to offer both conceptual understanding and practical insights. Officers are expected to complete the training within a three-month window. The initiative reflects Odisha’s push towards embracing digital tools for better governance outcomes.
Artificial intelligence is expected to play a transformative role in public administration, from improving citizen interaction with government services to predictive analytics and intelligent grievance redressal. It is also seen as vital in enhancing policy design, service delivery and data-driven decision-making.
To ensure smooth execution, each department has been asked to appoint a nodal officer responsible for overseeing the implementation, facilitating course enrolments, and ensuring timely completion. Departments have been told to compile and submit a compliance report to the Chief Secretary’s office within the prescribed time period
Clearly Odisha is committed to innovation-led governance and is keen to embrace emerging technologies.
Odisha has become one of the first states in India to institutionalise AI training for all levels of administrative personnel.
