Gujarat Minister Champions AI Tools to Overcome Language Barriers in Governance
In a significant push for inclusive digital governance, Gujarat's Science and Technology Minister, Arjun Modhwadia, declared on Wednesday that language must not hinder administrative processes. He made these remarks during a day-long workshop titled 'Bhashini Rajyam: Gujarat Chapter,' which was collaboratively organized by Gujarat Informatics Ltd and the Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in Gandhinagar.
AI-Powered Translation for Enhanced Public Service Delivery
Minister Modhwadia highlighted the transformative potential of AI-based 'Bhashini' tools, which facilitate seamless translation from English or any language into local dialects. "No work should be halted due to language barriers," he asserted, emphasizing that Gujarat government websites and circulars could be efficiently made available in Gujarati. He described the workshop as a crucial initiative for employees and officers, aimed at promoting multilingual digital governance to ensure services are accessible and comprehensible to all citizens.
He further elaborated that language serves as a vital instrument for effective and inclusive public service delivery. Digital governance objectives are fully realized only when services are provided in languages that citizens prefer and understand. Given that most residents in Gujarat communicate primarily in Gujarati and other Indian languages, it is imperative to eliminate linguistic obstacles in government interactions.
Expert Insights on Linguistic Heritage and AI Advancements
Amitabh Nag, CEO of the Digital India 'Bhashini' division, underscored the workshop's role in enhancing officers' proficiency with local languages, thereby bolstering governance efficiency. He pointed out India's rich linguistic diversity, stressing the importance of embracing and understanding all languages to foster national unity and effective administration.
Nag detailed how AI-based Bhashini tools are becoming indispensable for interpreting Indian languages. While these tools require minor adjustments as AI systems, ongoing research and technological development are continuously improving their accuracy and user-friendliness. During the event, he demonstrated a live translation from English to Gujarati using Bhashini, showcasing its practical applications in real-time scenarios.
Government Commitment to AI-Driven Service Enhancement
In a statement quoting Secretary (Science and Technology) P Bharathi, the government reaffirmed its dedication to leveraging artificial intelligence to elevate service quality and convenience. The aim is to ensure that digital governance remains reliable, secure, privacy-protecting, inclusive, and fully functional for every citizen, aligning with broader national goals under the Digital India initiative.
This workshop marks a pivotal step towards integrating advanced technology with linguistic inclusivity, setting a precedent for other states to follow in breaking down language barriers and enhancing public engagement through multilingual digital platforms.
