Bhubaneswar: In a landmark step towards digital transformation, the Odisha government has mandated all state officers to undergo basic training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve administrative efficiency and governance.

A notification issued on April 15 By Chief Secretary (CS) Manoj Ahuja directed all departments to ensure that their officers enroll in at least one introductory online AI course. The directive is aimed at equipping the state’s administrative workforce with essential AI knowledge to better serve citizens and streamline operations.

“AI holds the potential to revolutionise governance—from simplifying public access to government services to enabling predictive analytics, intelligent grievance redressal systems, and effective planning and monitoring,” the official letter stated.

This initiative forms part of Odisha’s broader strategy to develop a digitally savvy and future-ready bureaucracy. Officers are required to complete a foundational AI course within three months. These courses, available free of cost on reputable online platforms, cover key concepts, tools, and practical applications of AI.

Departments have been instructed to appoint a nodal officer to coordinate the training rollout, facilitate officer enrollment, and monitor course completion. Consolidated progress reports must be submitted to the Chief Secretary’s office within the specified timeframe.

With AI increasingly influencing public administration, the government views this initiative as essential for smarter decision-making and data-driven policy design. The Chief Secretary emphasised that AI literacy is now critical for delivering efficient, citizen-centric governance in the digital age.