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Odisha Embraces AI for Smarter, More Humane Urban Governance

The Odisha Housing & Urban Development department has signed an MoU to integrate AI into its urban governance framework. The partnership aims to co-develop AI solutions to improve service delivery, planning, and evidence-based decision-making. A key initiative is the establishment of an AI Project Management Unit to coordinate efforts and build internal capacity. The collaboration emphasizes responsible and ethical AI use to create more inclusive and responsive cities.

Key Points: Odisha H&UD Dept Signs MoU for AI-Driven Urban Reforms

  • AI Innovation Partner for urban governance
  • Focus on data-driven & transparent decision-making
  • Establishment of an AI Project Management Unit
  • Multi-year AI roadmap for Urban Local Bodies
2 min read

Odisha H&UD department inks MoU for AI-led urban reforms

Odisha partners for AI innovation in urban governance, focusing on data-driven services, transparency, and citizen-centric city planning.

"Odisha is committed to building cities that are not only smarter, but also more humane, responsive and inclusive. - Usha Padhee"

Bhubaneswar, Feb 11

In a significant step towards building sustainable and citizen-centric cities, the Odisha Housing & Urban Development department, on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen AI-driven urban governance in the state.

The MoU was signed in the presence of Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, H&UD department, who reiterated Odisha's strong commitment to leveraging emerging technologies for improved urban planning, service delivery and evidence-based decision-making.

According to an official statement, the firm with which the MoU was signed will act as the department's AI Innovation Partner, providing strategic and technical support for the design and adoption of AI-enabled solutions across Odisha's urban ecosystem.

Speaking on the occasion, Padhee said; "Odisha is committed to building cities that are not only smarter, but also more humane, responsive and inclusive. This partnership will help us harness the power of AI to improve urban services, strengthen governance systems and ensure that decision-making is guided by data, transparency and citizen needs."

Meanwhile, the CEO of the firm with which the MoU was inked highlighted the importance of collaborative innovation between government and premier research institutions to ensure that AI solutions are impactful, scalable and aligned with citizen needs. He expressed ARF's commitment to supporting Odisha in developing robust, responsible and governance-ready AI applications for urban transformation.

The department further underscored that collaboration aims to co-develop and deploy priority AI solutions to address key challenges in urban governance, strengthen data systems and digital infrastructure, and support ecosystem mobilisation through engagement with research institutions, startups and technology partners.

The MoU also places strong emphasis on knowledge partnership and institutional capacity building, ensuring that AI is used in a responsible, ethical and transparent manner for public benefit.

A key component of the partnership is the proposed establishment of an AI Project Management Unit (AI-PMU) within the H&UD department.

The AI-PMU will coordinate AI initiatives, support implementation, develop standards and build internal capacity. The partnership will also prepare a multi-year AI roadmap for Odisha. The roadmap will outline sectoral priorities and scaling pathways for Urban Local Bodies.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While the intent is good, I hope this doesn't become another expensive tech project that yields little on-ground change. The focus on "responsible and ethical" AI is crucial. Data privacy for citizens must be the top priority, not an afterthought.
V
Vikram M
Building "humane" cities with AI sounds promising. If this can help streamline municipal services, reduce corruption in approvals, and make town planning more transparent, it will be a huge win for Odisha. Other states should take note!
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Sarah B
The emphasis on capacity building is key. Often, such projects fail because the local government bodies (ULBs) lack the skills to use the tech. The AI-PMU and roadmap sound like a solid plan. Hope they involve young tech talent from Odisha's own colleges.
R
Rohit P
Great step! But the proof will be in the implementation. Will this actually make my interaction with the municipal corporation easier? Faster water connection, simpler property tax payment? That's what matters to the aam aadmi. Fingers crossed! 🤞
K
Kavya N
Collaboration with startups and research institutions is a smart move. It brings in fresh ideas. Hope they also focus on using AI for disaster preparedness, especially with cyclones being a recurring challenge for Odisha's coastal cities.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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