Singh stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure AI systems are accurate, context-aware, and inclusive
India has a unique opportunity to demonstrate how technology can strengthen democratic values, Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh said on Sunday, calling for the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in legislative processes.
Speaking at the 61st Conference of Secretaries of Legislative Bodies, Singh highlighted the transformative potential of AI in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and inclusivity in governance. He also emphasised the need to address ethical concerns associated with AI, including algorithm bias, misinformation, and privacy risks.
“Ethical concerns demand robust safeguards. AI adoption must prioritise transparency, fairness, and public engagement while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration,” Singh remarked.
Leveraging AI For Democracy
Singh pointed to India’s proactive steps, such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and the establishment of the Advisory Group on AI Regulation, as measures to address these concerns. He also credited Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla for spearheading initiatives that integrate technology into parliamentary processes.
Under Birla’s leadership, several groundbreaking projects, including the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), Digital Sansad, and AI-powered multilingual services like “Prabhandak,” have been implemented to make legislative work more efficient and inclusive. Singh noted how these technologies automate routine tasks, enable real-time translation of debates, and provide advanced analytics for informed decision-making.
Globally, AI applications in legislatures are gaining momentum. Countries like Australia, Canada, and Brazil are leveraging tools such as metadata-driven search engines and blockchain for secure voting. Singh acknowledged the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s (IPU) risk-based, step-by-step approach to integrating generative AI into legislative systems as a valuable guideline.
“As the world’s largest democracy, India has a unique opportunity to demonstrate how technology can reinforce democratic ideals,” he said.
Collaborative Approach
Singh stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure AI systems are accurate, context-aware, and inclusive. He added that AI’s potential to automate processes and enhance decision-making is invaluable for parliaments worldwide.
The Lok Sabha Speaker, Om Birla, is set to chair the 85th meeting of the All India Presiding Officers Conference. On his arrival in Bihar, Birla had a courtesy meeting with Governor Arif Mohammad Khan.
The conference underlines the critical role technology will play in shaping the future of legislative governance, offering India a platform to lead by example in integrating cutting-edge solutions while upholding democratic values.
