Training in Governance Needs to Adopt Emerging Technologies: Dr Jitendra Singh

Union Minister of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh, has emphasized the need to bring governance training in sync with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), digital platforms, and data analytics. He said that as India progresses towards translating the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 into reality, administrative reforms and capacity building need to change so as to keep up with technological transformation.

Speaking to the Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) Council Meeting in New Delhi, Dr Singh underlined that 21st-century governance requires the interplay of conventional administrative ethics and contemporary digital savvy. He called upon such training centres as IIPA to make it a point to prepare officers with the skills and know-how needed to navigate digital environments wisely and effectively.

Emphasizing the increasing role of social media in public administration, Dr Singh urged special workshops to prepare officers on the proper use of online communication platforms. "While social media can be a great tool for openness and citizen participation, it is also a threat of misinformation," he warned. He underlined the need to raise the awareness of officers on the ethical dimension of communications and to ensure that public information is credible and evidence-based.".

The Minister also urged the IIPA, being a premier institution for training and research in governance, to enhance its partnerships with both domestic and international stakeholders. By adopting global best practices and facilitating the exchange of knowledge, the institute can be a driving force in developing a model of governance that is transparent, efficient, and technology-enabled.

Dr Singh reaffirmed the government's pledge to overhaul administrative systems through ongoing learning, innovation, and flexibility. He explained that in an age characterized by quick digital change, government entities have to not only embrace technology but also develop a culture that accepts innovation. The way ahead in governance, he said, is through tapping into the potential of AI and data-driven decision-making to citizenize administration and make it more responsive.

He concluded by urging the IIPA to remain at the forefront of India’s governance transformation journey, preparing officers to meet the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly digitizing world.