IT dept forms body to build repository of used AI cases

Kolkata: The state Information Technology and Electronics (IT&E) department has formed a core group which will interact with various

stakeholders and prepare a repository of used cases of

Artificial Intelligence (AI), that can be adapted by various departments of the state government.

"We have already conceptualised and kickstarted a Centre of Innovation to leverage emerging technologies like Fintech, AI and Blockchain. The state government believes that they can use AI for improved public service. So, our department has formed a core group which will interact with various stakeholders and prepare a repository of used cases of Artificial Intelligence (AI), that can be adapted by various departments of the state government," state IT minister Bratya Basu said, addressing a Knowledge Workshop on AI at Biswa Bangla Convention Centre on Friday.

The core group, consisting of four members and headed by state Additional Chief Secretary (IT) Debashis Sen, will work upon good practices of AI and try to form a strategy on machine training at the various IT parks of the state government in districts.

"AI is not like Microsoft office. It requires a huge amount of data customisation, for which we require a reasonable amount of workforce. This is referred to as medium level workforce and has immense job potential, particularly in our IT parks in Tier II and Tier III cities," Sen said.

The minister said that the state government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is committed to make the state a leader in emerging technologies like AI, Fintech, Blockchain and Cyber security.

"We believe that these emerging technologies will help to promote the huge technology potential of the state and create further opportunities for employment and wealth generation for the people," Basu said.

A senior official of the IT department said that every year, there are around 800 PhD students who pass out from the universities. "We have to train them properly and to cater to this medium level workforce," a senior IT department official said.

Dr Partha Pratim Chakrabarti, Director of IIT Kharagpur, who delivered the keynote address at the workshop, talked about how IIT KGP has been applying its research in AI for solving industrial, scientific and social problems such as retail, industry 4.0 and manufacturing.

The workshop, that deliberated on the use of AI in business, governance, industry and in transforming processes, saw participation from students, young and experienced professionals, academicians, entrepreneurs and industry representatives.