Odisha hosted a high-level Ideas Forum to strengthen AI-driven governance, policy design, and citizen-centric service delivery through data and innovation
OdishaPlus Bureau
Odisha took a decisive step toward AI-driven, evidence-based governance as the Electronics & IT Department, Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the Data, Policy and Innovation Centre (DPIC), University of Chicago Trust, convened a high-impact Ideas Forum at the State Convention Hall, Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.
The Forum set a clear roadmap for leveraging data and artificial intelligence to strengthen policy design, service delivery, and citizen-centric governance in the state.
The event brought together senior government leadership, academics, and researchers to translate data and AI capabilities into actionable governance outcomes.
Manoj Ahuja, Chief Secretary; Anu Garg, Development Commissioner; Vishal Kumar Dev, Principal Secretary, E&IT Department; and Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Urban Development and Urban Housing Department, joined the forum and underscored the State’s commitment to embedding AI into institutional decision-making.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Sanjog Misra, Charles H. Kellstadt Distinguished Service Professor and Faculty Director, Center for Applied AI, University of Chicago Booth School of Business, positioned AI as a catalyst for more responsive and personalised public services. He highlighted how AI enables governments to anticipate citizen needs, identify risks early, and design targeted, inclusive interventions beyond routine automation.
Discussions highlighted how Odisha’s AI Mission—through the integration of data science, AI, and behavioural insights—can enhance administrative efficiency, improve welfare targeting, strengthen disaster preparedness, and accelerate innovation in public service delivery.
Emphasising the foundation of effective AI adoption, Dr. Urmila Chatterjee, Executive Director, DPIC, noted that high-quality datasets combined with rigorous research are critical to driving impactful public policy. The Forum concluded with an interactive Q&A session, translating ideas into shared insights and reinforcing a collective roadmap for advancing AI-enabled, evidence-driven governance in the state.
