Bridgetown, Oct 9 (NationPress) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla led a workshop at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference hosted in Barbados, advocating for the ethical implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help close the digital gap through technology, as reported by an official on Thursday.

During the workshop titled ‘Leveraging Technology: Enhancing Democracy through Digital Transformations and Tackling the Digital Divide’, Birla emphasized that real-time AI translation systems like “Sansad Bhashini” will enable every Member of Parliament to converse in their native language, marking a significant milestone for democracy in a culturally diverse nation like India, according to the official statement.

He asserted that through collaboration and knowledge exchange, it is possible to ensure that technology serves as a bridge rather than a barrier.

Birla pointed out that advancements in technology and the adoption of e-Parliament have initiated substantial transformations in the functioning of parliamentary democracy.

He underlined that e-Parliament is crucial in fostering e-Democracy, thus enhancing citizen participation.

Birla noted that AI-driven digital solutions are rendering India’s parliamentary operations more effective and inclusive.

He informed attendees about systems such as AI-based translation, AI-enabled e-Library, and speech-to-text reporting, which are enhancing the efficiency and inclusivity of parliamentary processes.

He emphasized that democracy thrives when citizens are actively involved with their Parliament, and technology plays a pivotal role in fortifying this connection, as per the statement.

He elaborated on the remarkable journey of the Indian Parliament transitioning from a traditional setup to an e-Parliament, highlighting its expanded reach, functionality, and responsiveness to public aspirations.

He indicated that this transition represents a significant leap forward in democratic governance, utilizing technology to bolster legislative processes and encourage greater citizen engagement.

The Speaker mentioned that under the “Digital Sansad” initiative, a comprehensive digital ecosystem has been established, linking Members of Parliament, Ministries, and citizens through a unified digital platform.

Birla acknowledged that under the proactive leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has achieved exceptional milestones in the digital arena.

He added that a low-cost, open Digital Public Infrastructure has been created for 1.4 billion citizens, revolutionizing governance and the economy.

Discussing India’s “AI Mission” — AI for All and AI for Good — he mentioned that this initiative embodies PM Modi’s visionary perspective, viewing AI not just as a technological innovation but as a powerful mechanism for empowering citizens and ensuring transparent governance.

Addressing the rapid expansion of India’s digital framework, he noted that with the swift rollout of 5G, India has emerged as the second-largest 5G market globally, with ongoing efforts towards 6G.

He commented that the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed digital payments into a widespread phenomenon.

Additionally, he mentioned that the government is offering free AI training to 1 million citizens, fostering AI awareness and innovation at the grassroots level. He concluded that these initiatives have made digital connectivity more affordable, inclusive, and centered around the people, according to the statement.

In a post on X, Birla expressed, “I chaired the workshop on 'Leveraging Technology: Enhancing democracy through transformations and tackling the digital divide' at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados! Representing 60 percent of the Commonwealth's population, India upholds democratic values, inclusive development, and human rights. India is honored to contribute to initiatives like the Commonwealth Youth Programme and Commonwealth Fund for Technical Cooperation.”