CM launches AI Mission, Next Gen Data Centre
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 12 Aug: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today unveiled a series of ambitious initiatives aimed at transforming Uttarakhand into a technologically advanced state, guided by the vision of “Hill to Hi-Tech”. The event was held today in respect of the launch of multiple Information and Communication Technology-enabled services at the Chief Minister’s Camp Office. Among the newly digital services launched today included Digital Uttarakhand app, 66 departmental websites developed on the secure, scalable, and accessible (S3Waas) platform, a GIS-based web application for real-time tracking of garbage collection vehicles in urban areas, the integration of artificial intelligence in the 1905 CM Helpline for enhanced public convenience, and a web-based application for monitoring encroachments.
On this occasion, the CM announced that a next generation data centre will be established in the state to address future technological challenges, which will also include a dedicated mechanism for disaster recovery. He further shared that an “AI Mission” will soon be launched and developed as a Centre of Excellence to tackle emerging challenges using Artificial Intelligence. He also added that a next-generation remote sensing and drone application centre will be set up to promote the principles of good governance, and efforts will be made to establish a specialised IT cadre to strengthen the state’s administrative framework.
Dhami asserted that Uttarakhand needs to evolve not only as a scenic hill state but also as a hub of technological innovation. He stated that five major IT related initiatives have been launched today, all of which aim to enhance governance by introducing speed, transparency, and efficiency in service delivery. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Digital India campaign for expanding the reach of technology and innovation across the country and affirmed that the state government is committed to realising the Prime Minister’s vision. The CM further stated that through the Digital Uttarakhand app, citizens will be able to access a wide range of government services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need to visit government offices. This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s mantra of ‘Minimum Government, Maximum Governance’ and will help integrate, simplify, and make government services more accessible, while also improving monitoring capabilities.
Dhami shared that the 66 newly launched government websites, built on the S3Waas platform, will provide departmental information to the public in a secure, swift, and transparent manner. The GIS-based web app will enable real-time monitoring of garbage collection vehicles in urban areas, thereby improving sanitation services. The web-based encroachment prevention app will empower citizens to upload photographs or videos of encroachments, prompting immediate investigation and action by the concerned department, with the entire process being trackable online. He also stressed on the importance of the 1905 CM Helpline as a vital communication bridge between the government and the people, noting that the integration of AI features will significantly improve complaint categorisation, resolution speed, and follow-up monitoring.
The CM also claimed that special emphasis is being placed on online education, e-health services, and digitisation of land records. Through platforms like the e-District portal and CM Dashboard, efforts are being made to deliver numerous government services directly to citizens’ homes. Smart classrooms and e-learning platforms are also being expanded to benefit students, while telemedicine and e-Sanjeevani services are being leveraged to provide expert medical consultations to residents in remote areas. The ‘Apni Sarkar’ portal currently offers 886 services online, and telecom connectivity has reached approximately 95 per cent of the villages in the state.
Among those present on the occasion included MLA Khajan Das, Principal Secretary L Fanai, Secretaries Nitesh Jha, Ranjit Kumar Sinha, Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Neeraj Kherwal, V Shanmugam and Sridhar Babu Adanki, Director General, U-COST, Durgesh Pant, Director, IT, Gaurav Kumar (virtually) and Dehradun Municipal Commissioner Namami Bansal.
