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India Scrapped 2,000 Obsolete Rules in Decade, Embraces AI Governance

The government has eliminated nearly 2,000 obsolete regulations over the past decade, marking a shift towards trust-based and technology-led governance. Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh emphasized the critical role of Artificial Intelligence in transforming public systems while stating it cannot replace human integrity. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reform-oriented leadership for creating an environment where such futuristic governance themes are now central to official discourse. The minister highlighted models like AI-assisted telemedicine as examples of technology adapting to India's diverse needs while maintaining essential human trust.

Key Points: India Removes 2,000 Outdated Rules, Pushes AI-Led Governance

  • 2,000 outdated rules removed in a decade
  • Shift towards trust-based governance
  • AI integration for public systems
  • Capacity Building Commission for continuous learning
  • AI-assisted telemedicine as a model
2 min read

Govt scrapped 2,000 obsolete rules in a decade to embrace tech-led governance: Minister

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh reveals govt scrapped nearly 2,000 obsolete regulations, championing AI integration for a 'Viksit Bharat'.

"AI can substitute everything on this planet, but it cannot substitute integrity. - Dr Jitendra Singh"

New Delhi, Feb 20

The government removed nearly 2,000 outdated rules in a decade that outlived their relevance, Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh said on Friday, adding that many of these regulations were designed for a different era and could not have anticipated today's technological advancements.

The simplification of procedures, including eliminating unnecessary attestations and redundant practices, reflects a shift towards trust-based governance, he said while delivering a keynote address at the 'AI Impact Summit 2026' here.

The session, titled "AI for Viksit Bharat: The Capacity Building Imperative," brought together policymakers, administrators, and experts to deliberate on the convergence of governance, capacity building, and Artificial Intelligence.

"AI can substitute everything on this planet, but it cannot substitute integrity. Artificial Intelligence can transform systems, improve efficiency and expand access, but it cannot replace human integrity," he told the gathering.

AI, he said, has become an inescapable reality across domains and must be meaningfully integrated into public systems.

The most encouraging aspect of India's transformation journey is the presence of a political leadership willing to embrace futuristic as well as future-ready ideas.

Recalling that themes like AI-driven governance would have been unimaginable in official discourse a decade and a half ago, the minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi's reform-oriented approach for creating an enabling environment where innovation and governance reforms move together.

He explained that the Capacity Building Commission was conceived to ensure that learning itself becomes a continuous institutional habit. Referring to the concept of Digital Public Goods (DPG), Dr. Singh said that while the terminology may be new, the essence remains rooted in the principle of public good and citizen-centric governance.

He cited another example from the health sector, where AI-assisted telemedicine services operate alongside physical doctors.

While AI enhances efficiency and reach, the presence of a human doctor reassures patients and builds trust. Such models, he said, are particularly suited to India's diverse social and linguistic landscape, where technology must adapt to local realities.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Removing 2000 rules is impressive on paper, but the real test is on the ground. In my experience applying for a passport last month, I still had to provide multiple physical copies of the same document. The intent is good, but implementation needs to be faster and more uniform across all departments.
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Vikram M
The point about AI not substituting integrity is crucial. We can have the most advanced system, but if the person operating it is corrupt, it's useless. Technology is a tool, not a solution by itself. Good to see this being acknowledged at a high level.
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Sarah B
As someone who has worked in both India and the US, the scale of digital transformation here is remarkable. The UPI story is world-famous. Integrating AI into governance for a country of 1.4 billion is a massive challenge, but if done right, it could be a model for the world.
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Rohit P
AI-assisted telemedicine for rural areas is a game-changer! My parents live in a small town in Bihar, and specialist doctors are hours away. If a local clinic can have AI tools to support the general physician, it will save lives. This is what 'Viksit Bharat' should focus on - bridging the urban-rural divide.
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Nikhil C
While I appreciate the forward-looking vision, we must ensure capacity building is real. Just giving a government officer a tablet doesn't mean they know how to use AI. Proper, continuous training is key. Otherwise, it's just expensive infrastructure lying unused. The Commission's work will be critical.

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