Karnataka sets sights on AI, tech advancement

Karnataka appears to be betting big in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology.

The state government will establish an Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning administration unit. In his budget speech on February 16, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced establishment of an e-governance department equipped with state-of-the-art technologies to bolster the administrative system using AI/Machine Learning-based software,” Siddaramaiah said.

“The existing Security Operation Center will undergo upgrades to prevent cyber attacks on ICT infrastructure and databases. The maintenance of all government databases will be centralised under the Security Operation Centre in the coming days,” he added.

Siddaramaiah also unveiled a stipend of Rs 15,000 for 200 engineering graduates enrolled in 6 to 12-month vocational training courses, including Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, at institutions like IISc, IITs, or NITs.

The CM further announced the development of RK Shala agricultural farm in Bengaluru under a public-private partnership (PPP) as a Knowledge Centre disseminating agricultural techniques.

“To forecast crop productivity using modern technologies such as satellite pictures, sensors, and machine learning algorithms, a database will be prepared,” Siddaramaiah explained.

To encourage research and innovation among students and teachers, a corpus fund of Rs 10 crore will be established, providing technical and financial assistance to those interested in filing patents.

The first Center of Excellence focused on CNC (Computer Numerical Control) technology will be set up in KGTTI, Kalburgi, at a cost of Rs 16 crore.

He said mapping and reassessment of properties will be carried out with the help of 3D drone technology to enhance the recovery of property taxes and prevent leakages in tax collection.

The CM said Karnataka’s pioneering role in technology and announced the establishment of a Center of Excellence (COE) in fintech, spacetech, and automotive tech at a cost of Rs 10 crore over five years in collaboration with entrepreneurs and educational institutions.

“The usage of technology will be promoted for effective, transparent, and timely delivery of government services and benefits to eligible citizens,” said Siddaramaiah.

Further, Siddaramaiah outlined the procurement of AI software, baggage scanners, and other state-of-the-art equipment at a cost of Rs. 5 crore for the smooth administration and security of all state prisons.

Commercial taxes department will develop a new interactive user application-based real-time GST database management and AI-driven analytical system to enhance revenue mobilisation through data accuracy and predictive analysis.

“E-training will be provided to officers and officials of the commercial taxes department to develop technical expertise, legal acumen, and an analytical perspective to explore new tax avenues and tackle fraudulent registrations” said Siddaramaiah.

“Bengaluru aims to transform into a global city with world-class infrastructure, attracting global corporate talent in emerging areas like IT, BT, AI, Robotics, Semiconductors, and other sunrise sectors” he said.

The CM said the state government has successfully delivered five guarantee schemes, the country’s biggest welfare programs, to over 5 crore beneficiaries in just three months through the KUTUMBA software. “This year, a cash transfer of Rs. 36,000 crore will be directly made into the accounts of eligible beneficiaries” he said.

“Cash transfers under various beneficiary-based schemes are being implemented through the state DBT platform, with non-cash benefits gradually brought under the platform” he said.

“Under the Karnataka Public Procurement Platform 2.0, the Contract Management Module will be extended to all departments to enable effective monitoring of financial and physical progress and enhance transparency” he said.

The CM also announced that a comprehensive database, Vidyavaridhi, will be created in the higher education sector to provide educational assistance and employment opportunities to students.

Currently, there are 922 citizen services in SAKALA, of which 493 services have been added to the Seva Sindhu portal. The remaining 429 services will be brought under the portal in a phased manner.

To increase efficiency, transparency, and accountability, the implementation of the e-office application will be extended to all government offices up to the level of gram panchayats.

A translation software, Kannada Kasturi, will be developed to remove impediments in translation into Kannada for the benefit of Kannadigas and non-Kannadigas, the CM said. Moneycontrol