Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Thursday, 6 August inaugurated a two-day orientation programme for members of the Bihar Legislature on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the implementation of the Mukhyamantri Kshetra Vikas Yojana (Chief Minister's Area Development Scheme). The event was held at the Vistar Bhavan of the Bihar Legislative Assembly in Patna, marking what officials described as a significant step toward technology-driven governance in the state.

Programme Highlights

The orientation commenced with the ceremonial lighting of a lamp. During the session, Chief Minister Choudhary also launched a Project Monitoring System web portal for the Area Development Scheme through a video presentation. The portal is designed to improve transparency, monitoring, and execution of development projects undertaken by legislators across the state.

Addressing MLAs and MLCs, Choudhary said AI and digital technology have become indispensable tools for governance, administration, and development. He noted that while computers had limited applications two decades ago, artificial intelligence is now transforming public administration, and urged legislators to leverage these technologies to improve public outreach and ensure comprehensive development of their constituencies.

Cost Savings and Practical Applications

Choudhary highlighted the tangible impact of AI in government operations. He said the Road Construction Department had achieved cost savings of 5–7 per cent by using AI to verify project estimates, with the savings redirected towards additional development works. He cautioned that failing to embrace AI and digital technologies could leave Bihar behind in the broader race for development.

The Chief Minister also noted that the state government is already deploying AI and digital systems across several public welfare initiatives, including the issuance of ration cards to nearly one crore eligible beneficiaries. He added that farmers are currently undergoing digital verification, with the government aiming to link 60 lakh farmers through digital identities.

AI University and Future Plans

In a significant announcement, Choudhary revealed that an Artificial Intelligence and Computer Science University is being established in Muzaffarpur. He also proposed regular training programmes on AI, computers, and social media for ministers, MLAs, MLCs, and their staff, so they remain current with emerging technologies and can serve the public more effectively.

On the agriculture front, he said weather stations have been installed in all panchayats across Bihar, and that 70–80 per cent of farming is expected to adopt smart irrigation technology in the future — a move projected to significantly benefit agriculture and rural development.

Broader Vision for Bihar

Concluding his address, Choudhary described Bihar as the 'Mother of Democracy' and said that integrating modern technologies such as AI into governance would strengthen democratic institutions and improve public service delivery. He also emphasised that while computer education is already being imparted in schools, it must be further strengthened to meet the demands of the digital era.

The orientation programme signals Bihar's intent to position its legislature as a technology-aware body — a push that will be closely watched as the state heads into an increasingly competitive development landscape.