Gandhinagar: Digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) should be used to make govt functioning more transparent, efficient and accountable, state science and technology minister Arjun Modhwadia said on Monday while addressing the national-level ‘Tech Saksham’ workshop in Gandhinagar.The daylong capacity-building programme, focussed on emerging technologies such as AI, cybersecurity and cloud computing, was jointly organised by National Informatics Centre Services Inc (NICSI) and National Informatics Centre-Gujarat (NIC). The workshop aimed to equip govt officials and technical experts with advanced digital tools and strengthen citizen-centric governance.Emphasising the need for continuous technological upgradation, Modhwadia said systems that fail to adapt to changing technologies eventually become obsolete. He urged officials to embrace innovation and keep pace with technological advancements.Highlighting Gujarat’s digital governance initiatives, the minister cited the i-Khedut portal as an example of technology-driven service delivery. He said around Rs 26,500 crore, including compensation announced during unseasonal rains last year and procurement payments made at support prices, was transferred directly to farmers’ bank accounts without intermediaries, ensuring transparency and eliminating opportunities for corruption.Modhwadia also pointed to the Gujarat Common Admission System (GCAS) as a successful technology platform, noting that it incorporates modern features such as voice-command functionality.
