Telangana Partners Meta To Boost E-Governance & Citizen Services Using AI

Social media juggernaut Meta has announced a two-year partnership with the Telangana government to scale up e-governance and citizen services while tapping artificial intelligence technologies.

The collaboration will focus on deploying e-governance solutions leveraging Meta’s open-source generative AI technologies, including the latest ‘Llama 3.1 model’, PTI reported.

The report further said that the strategic partnership will empower public officials and citizens with the latest emerging technologies like AI to enhance e-governance and citizen services. 

“Advancing ongoing efforts to foster innovation in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Meta today announced a two-year partnership with the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (IT, E&C), Government of Telangana,” the statement said.

The initiative aims to transform various aspects of public service delivery and e-governance, while also enhancing efficiency and productivity of government departments and agencies through the use of generative AI. 

“This strategic partnership is aligned with Meta’s open approach to AI innovation and Telangana’s digital leadership, aiming to harness the potential of AI to drive social and economic opportunities in the state, while addressing unique local needs, and paving the way for groundbreaking solutions,” the statement added.

This partnership builds on Telangana’s existing efforts in the AI space. For the uninitiated, the state has already established a Centre of Excellence on Gaming, VFX, Computer Vision & AI in Hyderabad, branded as IMAGE. 

This centre offers integrated programs, CVLAB, and Game Lab for startups, providing resources such as mentoring, technology support, and funding for Gaming, Animation, VFX, Computer Vision, and AI start-ups.

The Meta-Telangana partnership is part of a broader trend of AI initiatives across India. The central government announced the IndiaAI Mission in March with a budget of Rs 10,372 Cr. 

Other states are also making significant strides in AI adoption. Tamil Nadu has emerged as a frontrunner, recently partnering with Google to launch AI initiatives and announcing TN AI Labs in Chennai. The state has also implemented the first comprehensive state-level AI policy in India, focusing on ethical and responsible AI development.