Bhubaneswar: The state government has mandated the appointment of dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) officers to all sectors to promote digital governance after the state cabinet approved by the Odisha AI Policy 2025 on May 28th.According to the plan, each AI executive will lead a team of two or three people, including assistant section officers (ASOs) or section officers (SOS) that focus on implementing AI-driven solutions in their respective departments. “AI officers are selected based on technical expertise. ASOS or SOS should also have basic knowledge of technology and AI,” said a senior government official.AI executives are expected to foster digital transformation in government by identifying areas of AIRE effectiveness, developing strategies, integrating technology into day-to-day operations, and coordinating inter-sector adoption.“At the recent NITI AAYOG Governance Council meeting, the role of AI in governance was discussed, and we plan to form a committee under the executive director of the Centre for the Government Initiative Modernization (CMGI) to prepare the roadmap for the future.In April, the state government required AI training to all officers. Minister Manoj Ahuja also issued an order highlighting the requirements for online AI courses for officers. The government said the AI learning programme coincides with the broader purpose of developing a digitally competent and future-ready administrative workforce.The state's AI policy framework is based on four key pillars: AI infrastructure, skill development, energy sustainability, and regulatory mechanisms. It aims to promote responsible AI adoption across the sector, while accelerating state digital transformation.
