Karnataka to Use Bhashini AI for Local Language Services
Minister Priyank Kharge announces Karnataka will use Bhashini AI to provide 700+ citizen services in local languages and dialects.
In a major push toward inclusive digital governance, the Karnataka government has announced plans to integrate Bhashini, an AI-powered language technology platform, to deliver essential citizen services in local languages and dialects. State Information Technology, Biotechnology, and e-Governance Minister Priyank Kharge revealed that this move aims to make government interactions more intuitive and accessible for every resident of the state.
Speaking at a Bhashini workshop organized by the Department of e-Governance at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Minister Kharge emphasized that technology must evolve to meet the needs of the people, rather than forcing citizens to adapt to complex digital systems.
Bridging the Linguistic Divide
Karnataka is a state characterized by immense linguistic diversity. While Kannada is the primary language, the state's social fabric is woven with various dialects and other widely spoken languages including Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Urdu, Tulu, and Beary. The Minister noted that this diversity requires a more nuanced technological approach.
“Karnataka is one state, but it is many worlds. Our language, dialects and cultural contexts vary significantly across regions,” Kharge stated. “If technology is to truly make governance more accessible, it must speak to citizens in a language they understand.”
The integration of Bhashini’s voice and translation technologies is expected to transform the delivery of over 700 citizen services currently managed under the Praja Seva and e-Governance frameworks. By leveraging AI, the government seeks to ensure that even those who are not tech-savvy or fluent in standard Kannada can navigate public services with ease.
Empowering Startups and DeepTech Innovation
The initiative is not just about service delivery; it is also a strategic move to bolster Karnataka's burgeoning tech ecosystem. Minister Kharge highlighted that the government’s "Government First Policy" will allow local startups to build solutions for real-world public sector challenges, with the state acting as their primary customer.
Key highlights for the innovation sector include:
- DeepTech Support: AI-driven innovations can access grants of up to Rs 1 crore.
- Global Exposure: The Bhashini team has been invited to the Bengaluru Tech Summit to showcase these capabilities on a global stage.
- Public-Sector Problem Solving: Startups are encouraged to develop tools that address specific administrative and linguistic hurdles.
“Ultimately, AI must be measured by the difference it makes to people’s lives,” Kharge concluded, stressing that the true success of artificial intelligence lies in its practical impact on the common man.
Workshop and Leadership Presence
The workshop, aimed at training officials from various government departments, featured insights from Amitabh Nag, Chief Executive Officer of the Digital India division. Other high-ranking officials in attendance included Harsh Gupta, Principal Secretary of the Praja Seva Department, and Pankaj Kumar Pandey, Principal Secretary of the Department of e-Governance, among others.