Odisha Government Mandates Foundational AI Training for All Officers

Bhubaneswar, April 15 : In a significant step towards building a future-ready and digitally proficient administrative workforce, the Odisha government has made it mandatory for all state officers to complete at least one foundational course on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The directive was issued by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja in a letter addressed to top government officials, including Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioner-cum-Secretaries, and District Collectors.

Highlighting the transformative potential of AI in governance, Ahuja emphasized the need for officers to develop a strong understanding of the principles, tools, and applications of AI. “It is increasingly evident that new innovations such as AI will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of governance,” the Chief Secretary noted.

The courses, which are available free of cost on reputed online platforms, aim to provide both conceptual clarity and practical applications of AI in public administration. Officers have been instructed to complete the training within three months from the date of issuance of the directive.

To ensure effective implementation, each department has been advised to appoint a Nodal Officer who will facilitate enrollment, track progress, and ensure timely completion of the courses. A consolidated report detailing the number of officers who have completed the training must be submitted to the Office of the Chief Secretary within the stipulated timeframe.

“This initiative is a part of the broader goal to equip the state machinery with the digital skills needed for citizen-centric governance, data-driven decision-making, and effective policy design,” Ahuja stated.

The move is expected to usher in a new era of administrative innovation in Odisha, enabling smarter planning, improved service delivery, and more responsive governance mechanisms powered by AI technologies.

The Chief Secretary has sought the active cooperation of all departments and district administrations to make this initiative a success.