suparjya swain 
Bhubaneswar: In a forward-looking move to modernize governance and enhance administrative efficiency, the Odisha government has made it mandatory for all state officers to undergo training in Artificial Intelligence (AI).
As part of this initiative, officers across departments will complete a three-month online foundational course in AI. The directive, issued by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, emphasizes the government’s commitment to building a digitally competent and future-ready workforce capable of leveraging emerging technologies for better public service delivery.
“All departments are instructed to ensure that officers under their control enroll in and complete at least one basic AI course,” the Chief Secretary wrote in a recent circular. The training will cover essential AI concepts and practical applications relevant to public administration, such as data analysis, predictive governance, and digital service optimization.
To ensure smooth implementation, departments have been asked to designate Nodal Officers who will monitor enrollment and track the progress of officials. A consolidated report of course completion will be submitted to the Chief Secretary’s office upon completion of the training period.
This move positions Odisha as a pioneer among Indian states in integrating AI literacy into the government workforce, underscoring its broader goal of fostering a culture of innovation and tech-driven governance.
