Smita Mishra 
BHUBANESWAR: In a forward-thinking step towards digital governance, the Odisha government has taken a bold initiative to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the fabric of its administrative machinery. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI in improving governance and service delivery, the state has now made AI training compulsory for all its officers. This landmark directive, issued by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja on April 15, 2025, mandates that every officer in the state administration must enroll in and complete at least one basic online AI course within a span of three months.
This policy decision reflects a paradigm shift in how the government views the role of technology in administration. AI is no longer just a futuristic concept—it is now being seen as an essential tool for making governance smarter, more efficient, and responsive to citizens’ needs. By pushing for widespread AI literacy among officials, Odisha aims to build a digitally savvy bureaucracy that is equipped to leverage data, automation, and machine learning in daily governance.
The courses recommended under this mandate are available for free on various reputed e-learning platforms. They are designed to impart both foundational knowledge and practical understanding of AI concepts, tools, and applications. Officers are expected to learn how AI can be used in real-world administrative contexts—be it for predictive analytics, citizen feedback analysis, intelligent grievance redressal systems, or planning and monitoring public services. These courses typically cover modules such as the basics of machine learning, AI in government, ethical use of AI, and AI-driven decision-making models.
To ensure smooth implementation, each government department has been asked to appoint a nodal officer who will be responsible for guiding officers in enrolling for the courses and tracking their progress. Departments are required to compile and submit detailed reports to the Chief Secretary’s office confirming that their officers have successfully completed the training within the given timeline. This systematic monitoring mechanism is expected to drive accountability and ensure that the directive is followed uniformly across all departments.
This initiative is part of a larger strategic roadmap that the Odisha government has been developing to strengthen its AI ecosystem. The state is already in the process of formulating an independent Artificial Intelligence policy, which will serve as a guiding document to promote the ethical and effective deployment of AI across sectors. The policy is expected to focus on building institutional capacities, increasing computational power within the state, encouraging AI-based startups, and supporting the development of indigenous AI models tailored to Odisha’s needs.
Over the past few years, the Odisha government has also organized several workshops in collaboration with national and international institutions to educate stakeholders about AI and its scope. These efforts are designed not just to increase awareness, but also to spark innovation and stimulate local economic growth by encouraging the use of AI in agriculture, healthcare, disaster management, urban planning, and social welfare.
What makes this directive particularly commendable is its emphasis on human capital development. Rather than investing only in infrastructure or outsourcing technical expertise, the state has chosen to empower its own workforce. This signals a deep understanding that technology, no matter how advanced, needs informed human minds to be truly effective. With officers themselves gaining AI proficiency, the government can expect better planning, enhanced policy implementation, and data-driven decision-making across departments.
Odisha’s proactive approach comes at a time when the role of AI in governance is gaining national and global attention. Countries around the world are experimenting with AI tools to predict crime patterns, assess climate risks, monitor public health, and streamline bureaucratic processes. By preparing its officers to adapt to this new digital reality, Odisha is placing itself ahead in the race toward tech-enabled governance.
This decision also aligns with India’s broader mission to become a global AI powerhouse. As the central government continues to invest in AI research and development through programs like the National AI Mission, Odisha’s initiative serves as a model for other states looking to build internal capacity and readiness.
In a world where technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, Odisha’s move to mandate AI literacy for its officials is both timely and visionary. It reflects a governance model that is not only reactive to challenges but also anticipates future demands. By embedding AI learning into the bureaucratic framework, the state is laying the foundation for a smarter, faster, and more inclusive administration—one that is ready to serve the people of Odisha with innovation, intelligence, and integrity.
