In the presence of Information Technology Minister Keshab Mahanta, the Assam government on Tuesday formalized a partnership with Google to integrate AI into the state’s administrative and development processes.
The agreement — signed by Gopinath Narayan, Principal Secretary of the IT Department, and Ashish Wattal, Director and Country Head of Google Cloud India — aims to improve transparency, speed, and service delivery across departments.
Officials said the collaboration is central to Assam’s goal of becoming the “AI hub of India’s Northeast,” with the state poised to unveil its Assam AI-IT Policy 2025.
A Framework for Ethical and Inclusive AI
The MoU emphasizes the creation of robust AI governance frameworks, with ethical standards for transparency, fairness, and accountability. It also includes capacity-building initiatives to train government employees, engineers, and students in applied AI and data science.
A key highlight is the establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence for Governance Solutions in collaboration with Google and its implementation partner, Paradigm IT. This centre will focus on pilot projects in public service delivery, predictive analytics, and citizen engagement.
“The agreement provides us with a framework to develop AI capabilities within the government and create new opportunities for our workforce,” said Minister Mahanta. “We hope this collaboration will inspire investment in skilling, infrastructure, and generative AI for governance.”
Assam’s ‘AI-First’ Vision for Governance
Under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Assam has adopted an “AI-First Strategy” as part of its broader digital transformation agenda. Mahanta noted that the policy aims to embed AI across key governance sectors — from public health to education — ensuring technology benefits all sections of society.
Chief Secretary Ravi Kota called the partnership a “historic step,” adding that it will help departments deliver services “with greater efficiency and citizen focus.”
The initiative also seeks to build long-term digital infrastructure and align the state with India’s emerging National AI Mission.
Empowering the Workforce for a Digital Future
Officials said the MoU’s skill development programs will equip young professionals and administrators with Google-certified AI tools and cloud technologies. By integrating generative AI applications and automation systems, the project aims to drive both governance efficiency and job creation.
Industry analysts say Assam’s approach mirrors global models of AI for public good — focusing on ethical adoption, data stewardship, and socio-economic inclusion.
