In a significant push towards tech-enabled governance, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the state's flagship citizen service portal, HimSeva. This strategic move is designed to drastically accelerate and streamline key revenue department services, with a primary focus on land record-related processes.
AI Integration to Revolutionize Public Service Delivery
The announcement was made by the Chief Minister during a review meeting of the Revenue Department held in Shimla on Wednesday. The core objective is to harness the power of AI to reduce processing times, minimize human interface, and enhance the overall efficiency and transparency of services delivered through the HimSeva platform.
Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized that this initiative is a cornerstone of his government's commitment to providing a clean, transparent, and responsive administration. He directed officials to ensure the seamless implementation of AI tools to benefit the common citizen. The move is expected to address long-standing public grievances regarding delays in revenue services.
Focus on Land Records and Beyond
The initial phase of AI integration will target services related to land records, which form a substantial part of the revenue department's public dealings. This includes applications for various certificates and document verifications. The AI system is poised to automate the scrutiny of applications, flag discrepancies, and prioritize cases based on predefined rules, thereby cutting down the manual workload and expediting approvals.
During the review, the Chief Minister was briefed on the current status of the HimSeva portal and the proposed roadmap for incorporating AI modules. He stressed the importance of creating a robust digital infrastructure that leaves no room for corruption and delivers services at the citizens' doorstep.
Broader Reforms in the Revenue Department
The meeting also covered a wide array of ongoing and proposed reforms within the Revenue Department. Chief Minister Sukhu issued clear instructions to complete the demarcation of all panchayat lands across the state within a year. He called for the modernization of old revenue records through systematic digitization and mapping efforts.
In a bid to improve administrative efficiency, the Chief Minister announced the creation of 25 new posts of Naib Tehsildar. Furthermore, he revealed plans to open new Sub Tehsil offices at Jhiri in Shimla district and at Nirmand in Kullu district, bringing revenue services closer to people in these areas.
The government is also actively working on a new, comprehensive Himachal Pradesh Land Revenue Act to replace the colonial-era legislation currently in force. This new law aims to be more citizen-friendly and aligned with contemporary needs.
This multi-pronged approach—combining cutting-edge AI technology with structural administrative reforms—signals a transformative phase for governance in Himachal Pradesh. The AI-powered HimSeva portal is set to become a model for how Indian states can leverage technology to build a more efficient, accountable, and citizen-centric public service ecosystem.
