VP Radhakrishnan Champions ‘AI for Good Governance’ at IIPA Founders’ Day

Positioning Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a transformative force in governance, Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan today underscored its critical role in building a transparent, inclusive, and citizen-centric administration while addressing the 72nd Founders' Day celebrations of the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA).

Delivering the 5th Dr. Rajendra Prasad Annual Memorial Lecture on the theme "AI for Good Governance," the Vice President highlighted how emerging technologies are redefining the way governments function, enabling faster, smarter, and more responsive service delivery.

Tribute to Rajendra Prasad: Governance as Service

Paying homage to India's first President, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Shri Radhakrishnan recalled his unwavering commitment to moral values, simplicity, and public service. He noted that Dr. Prasad's life exemplified the principle that governance is fundamentally about service rather than power, making the lecture series a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.

AI: A New 'Superpower' for Governments

Describing the current era as the "Age of AI," the Vice President said that artificial intelligence has emerged as a powerful tool that enables governments to better understand and respond to citizens' needs.

"AI is giving governments a new superpower—the ability to serve people more efficiently and inclusively," he said, emphasizing that governance must ultimately aim to empower citizens and ensure that no one is left behind.

He added that AI is bridging the gap between policy formulation and on-ground implementation by enabling data-driven decision-making and targeted welfare delivery.

Driving Inclusive Growth and Last-Mile Delivery

Highlighting AI's role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047, the Vice President noted that technology is enabling precise delivery of services to the last person in the queue, reducing leakages and improving transparency.

He linked these advancements to the government's broader vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, stating that AI can significantly enhance trust between citizens and institutions through efficient and accountable governance systems.

India Emerging as a Global AI Leader

The Vice President highlighted India's growing prominence in the global AI ecosystem, noting that the country ranks among the top nations in AI vibrancy. He credited initiatives such as the India AI Mission and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation for strengthening the country's technological capabilities.

He also pointed to the success of platforms like BHASHINI, India's AI-powered language ecosystem, which is breaking linguistic barriers and promoting inclusivity in governance. Additionally, he noted that parliamentary documents are now accessible in multiple Indian languages through AI-enabled systems.

Transforming Key Sectors Through AI

Shri Radhakrishnan elaborated on AI's growing impact across sectors:

• Healthcare: AI-assisted TB screening, portable X-ray devices, and telemedicine platforms like eSanjeevani

• Agriculture and MSMEs: Enhanced productivity and decision-making

• Judiciary and Administration: Improved efficiency and case management

• Cybersecurity: Strengthened national digital resilience

He emphasized that just as governance spans all sectors, AI too is becoming an integral part of every domain.

Building an AI-Ready Workforce

Encouraging youth and professionals to embrace technological change, the Vice President stressed the need for an AI-ready workforce. He highlighted government initiatives such as the Skill India Digital Hub, the National Education Policy, and Yuva AI as key drivers of future readiness.

Drawing parallels with the early days of computing, he noted that while new technologies may initially create apprehension, they ultimately generate new opportunities and empower society.

Ethics Must Guide AI Revolution

Addressing concerns around the rapid rise of AI, Shri Radhakrishnan cautioned that technological advancement must be guided by ethical principles. He stressed the importance of fairness, accountability, and responsibility in AI deployment to ensure it serves humanity positively.

"Every great technological power must be guided by responsibility," he remarked, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to innovation.

AI as a Human-Centric Revolution

Concluding his address, the Vice President described AI not just as a technological shift but as a "human revolution" with the potential to reshape governance and society.

He called upon policymakers, technologists, and citizens to harness AI as a force for good—building a governance framework that is just, inclusive, and compassionate.

The event was attended by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, Director General of IIPA Dr. Surendra Kumar Bagde, and other distinguished guests, marking a significant dialogue on the future of governance in the digital age.