AI & Machine Learning For 2.5 Lakh To Make Gujarat Governance Citizen-Centric

During the annual state government Chintan Shivir in November 2024, held at the Somnath temple premises, the government decided to integrate AI into various departments and governance workflows. Earlier, a 10-member task force had been formed to guide this integration, based on whose recommendations, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel formulated this new action plan.

To ensure the action plan proceeds without delay, the state government will set up a dedicated AI and Deep Tech Mission. This mission will act as a specialised institution to lead the design, execution, and innovation in AI strategies and emerging technologies.

It will also support the ecosystem of startups, academic research, and industries. Special focus will be placed on skilling, re-skilling, and up-skilling the workforce in AI and related technologies.

Foundational work will begin with the creation of a state-level AI data repository, the establishment of AI factories, and the launch of department-specific pilot projects. Over the next five years, the integration of AI across government departments will be significantly enhanced.

Blueprint For AI-Driven Governance

1. Data: A secure, interoperable, and regulation-compliant data ecosystem will be developed to support AI growth. A comprehensive AI data governance framework will be created to ensure alignment with regulatory standards.

2. Digital infrastructure: Expanding GPU and cloud infrastructure will be a priority, along with the setup of AI factories in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. Access to national platforms, like AIRAWAT, will also be provided.
 
3. Capacity building: The goal is to train over 2.5 lakh individuals — including students, MSMEs, and government officials — in AI, machine learning, and related domains.

4. R&D and use cases: Collaborations between academic institutions and industry will be fostered to develop domain-specific AI solutions and applications for departmental needs.
 
5. Startup facilitation: Deep tech startups will be supported through incubation programmes, mentorship, infrastructure credits, and seed funding.
 
6. Safe and trusted AI: A secure AI strategy will be implemented through regular audits, compliance guidelines, and AI risk protocols.
 
Initiatives Powering The AI Approach

• GIFT City's AI Centre of Excellence
• AI Innovation Challenge
• High-performance GPU infrastructure
• AI training and workshops
• Indigenous Expression of Interest (EOI) for Large Language Models (LLMs)