In a first, Sikkim took part in the Regional India AI Workshop-cum-Review in Kolkata on Monday.
The West Bengal government mentioned in the workshop that states should be in greater coorperation among states for responsible and inclusive adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
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The workshop, organised by the IT Department of the Government of West Bengal under the aegis of India AI, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, brought together representatives from Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Sikkim and West Bengal at the New Town Convention Centre.
A Sikkim delegation led by Principal Director, IT Department, T. Samdup, along with Deputy Director, Skill Development Department, Saimon Paul Rai, and Assistant Director (IT), Skill Development Department, Arun Tamang, took part in the discussions.
West Bengal IT Minister Dr Kalyan Chakraborti, while welcoming the participating States, stressed the importance of strengthening State-level partnerships for the safe, trusted and responsible deployment of AI across priority sectors.
“States have a significant role in developing and sharing datasets and in using them to create AI-based solutions suited to their specific requirements and public service delivery challenges,” he said.
He also underlined the need for AI-focused talent development, skilling, capacity building and stronger partnerships with academic institutions.
Sikkim Principal Director, IT Department, T. Samdup, said the State was keen to participate in collaborative efforts relating to datasets, AI resources, data sharing and digital interventions.
“Sikkim has been actively participating in the discussions on datasets, AI resources and data sharing, and such regional platforms can help States learn from each other and develop AI solutions suited to local needs,” he said.
India AI CEO Saurabh Vijay outlined the vision and priorities of the India AI initiative, while India AI Director Md. Y. Safirulla K. presented an overview of its seven pillars and engagement with the States.
The workshop also discussed AI Centres of Excellence, the startup ecosystem, academia-industry partnerships, skilling and State-level capacity building. Representatives from IIT Kharagpur, NIELIT Kolkata, Jadavpur University, TCS Research, NASSCOM and the Indian Statistical Institute also participated.
