BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the AIRAWAT Research Foundation (ARF) of IIT-Kanpur on Thursday to foster the development and deployment of AI-driven solutions within the state’s urban ecosystem. The agreement, formalized by the Housing and Urban Development department, aims to enhance data-based planning, improve municipal service delivery, and institutionalize emerging technologies in governance.
ARF will act as the AI innovation partner for the department, providing strategic and technical expertise for the design and implementation of AI applications in urban local bodies. The MoU was signed in the presence of Usha Padhee, the additional chief secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
During the signing ceremony, Padhee emphasized the state’s commitment to developing “smarter, more inclusive and responsive cities” through technology-enabled governance. She highlighted the critical role of data-driven decision-making and transparency in enhancing public services.
ARF CEO Amar Nath remarked that the collaboration underscores the increasing contribution of research institutions in assisting governments to create scalable and citizen-focused AI solutions. The partnership aims to co-develop and implement priority AI solutions that address significant challenges in urban governance, bolster data systems and digital infrastructure, and promote ecosystem mobilization through collaboration with research institutions, startups, and technology partners.
As part of this initiative, the Odisha government plans to establish an AI Project Management Unit (AI-PMU) within the Housing and Urban Development department. The unit will coordinate AI initiatives, set standards, build institutional capacity, and supervise implementation, ensuring ethical and effective use of technology.
The collaboration will also involve the preparation of a multi-year AI roadmap aligned with the state’s urban development goals. This roadmap will identify sectoral priorities, outline implementation pathways, and establish frameworks for scaling AI solutions across municipalities.
In recent years, the incorporation of artificial intelligence in urban planning and governance has gained momentum, as governments worldwide seek to leverage advanced technologies to improve efficiency and responsiveness. Odisha’s initiative reflects a broader trend towards integrating AI into public service frameworks, which can lead to enhanced citizen engagement and streamlined operations.
As local governments look to navigate the complexities of urbanization and service delivery, partnerships like the one between Odisha and ARF are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of smart cities. By focusing on data-driven strategies and innovative technologies, Odisha aims not only to address current challenges but also to set a benchmark for other states in India and beyond.
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