Bhatti launches AI Saksham to improve public service delivery | Hyderabad News

Hyderabad: Deputy chief minister Bhatti Vikramarka on Wednesday inaugurated AI Saksham, a programme aimed at enhancing the capabilities of govt employees in using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve public service delivery.Speaking at a programme organised by TG Math with support from the planning department at MCR HRD, he said AI must accelerate work in govt offices and ensure timely resolution of public grievances. Farmers, pensioners and ordinary citizens should not have to visit govt offices repeatedly to get their work done, he added.Every hour saved through technology must translate into better services for people, with the success of AI measured by the tangible changes it brings to their lives, he added.Better analysis of public expenditureBhatti said AI tools could help the finance department assess whether public funds were reaching intended beneficiaries, identify reasons for expenditure delays and detect shortcomings in project implementation. Field visits, public feedback and the practical experience of govt employees must continue to guide decisions, he said.AI can strengthen power sectorAI could help forecast electricity demand, identify equipment faults and improve maintenance, contributing to uninterrupted power supply for farmers, small industries and hospitals, Bhatti said. Systems must be tested under real-world conditions and meet safety standards before implementation.AI could also help provide information in Telugu, but officials must verify names, amounts, eligibility conditions and technical details before using AI-generated content, he cautioned.Data security and accountabilityBhatti stressed that personal information provided by citizens must be handled responsibly. Govt employees should not enter official or personal information into unauthorised AI tools and must understand what data could be used and what requires permission.Officials would remain responsible for verifying AI-generated information before using it in official records or decisions. Human oversight must be mandatory, and citizens should have access to accountable officials to seek redressal against adverse decisions, he said.Clear limits must be established on the powers given to AI systems. . Responsibility must be clearly assigned if something goes wrong.He suggested that departments begin with small-scale pilot projects and expand them only after evaluating accuracy, cost, performance and public benefits. Govt must retain continuous oversight and control over the systems, he added.