Context:
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasized the importance of promoting the ethical and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance and parliamentary functioning. His remarks came during a workshop on “Leveraging Technology: Enhancing Democracy through Digital Transformations.”
Key Highlights / Details:
- AI-based technologies such as real-time translation, speech-to-text, and AI-enabled e-library systems are being integrated into Parliamentary processes to enhance inclusivity and transparency.
- Speaker Birla highlighted that technology should bridge the digital divide, not widen it.
- He called on Commonwealth nations to promote responsible AI practices to ensure technology serves democratic objectives.
- Initiatives like ‘Sansad Bhashini’ aim to enable Members of Parliament to communicate in their own languages, strengthening participatory democracy.
- Birla stated that e-Parliament initiatives have brought transformative shifts in legislative operations through digital empowerment.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Sansad Bhashini: AI-powered real-time language translation system for Parliament proceedings.
- e-Parliament: Initiative under the Digital India Programme for paperless functioning of Parliament.
- AI in Governance: Use of machine learning and NLP in citizen services, record-keeping, and data analytics.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Ethical AI Governance: Importance of accountability, transparency, and fairness in AI-driven decision-making.
- Bridging the Digital Divide: Ensuring equitable access to digital tools in democratic systems.
- AI and Democracy: Use of AI to strengthen participatory governance, multilingual accessibility, and citizen empowerment.