Meghalaya banks big on AI technology
State is emerging as a pioneer in adopting AI to enhance governance, optimise resource allocation and promote inclusive development
Dr. Annapoorna Ravichander & Khushi Shetty
Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into public administration transforms how governments design policies, deliver services and respond to complex challenges.
In India, the Government of Meghalaya is emerging as a pioneer in adopting AI technologies to enhance governance, optimise resource allocation and promote inclusive development.
According to Sampath Kumar (IAS), Principal Secretary, Community and Rural Development Department, the state seeks to “balance human ingenuity with AI to address both its capabilities and aspirations”.
This article outlines key areas where AI has been embedded into Meghalaya’s governance framework, focusing on its applications in agriculture, education, environment, water management, digital inclusion and research.
Key Applications of AI
Communication
Large Language Models (LLMs) are being employed to analyse public sentiment, streamline administrative communication and support inclusive outreach. These tools enable the creation of multilingual content, simplify bureaucratic documentation and tailor information delivery to different demographic groups. As a result, administrative processes have become more efficient and responsive to citizens’ needs.
Data Analysis
AI facilitates the processing of vast datasets from varied sources, including administrative records, satellite data and citizen feedback, to uncover patterns, identify gaps and inform programmatic decisions. This capacity for high-speed, complex analysis enables policymakers to move beyond anecdotal decision-making and base interventions on real-time evidence.
Decision-making
AI augments decision-making by minimising human biases, applying consistent algorithms and simulating potential outcomes through scenario modelling. In emergency management, for instance, AI tools can support real-time planning, resource deployment and response strategies by analysing environmental data and predicting the likely progression of events.
Predictive governance
One of AI’s most transformative contributions is its ability to anticipate future challenges. Predictive models can identify at-risk populations, forecast agricultural yields, or estimate disease outbreaks.
Monitoring and Evaluation
AI is streamlining the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of government schemes through automated data collection, real-time dashboards and anomaly detection systems. These tools enhance transparency and allow administrators to track progress against key indicators with minimal lag.
Sectoral Innovations
“Our mission is to build robust human development by designing innovative programs like ECD (for positive parenting and unleashing the full potential of children), MPOWER (adolescent empowerment) and systemic reforms for strengthening overall health systems. AI can be leveraged to reduce the administrative burden of documentation in healthcare services, and the resulting data insights can be utilised for preventive healthcare. This enables us to extend our reach beyond human limitations, catalysing outcome-centric change and sustainable progress in times to come,” said Kumar.
The government is piloting greenhouse robotics inspired by Japanese agricultural models, aimed at cultivating high-value crops like strawberries and lettuce. These AI-driven techniques are expected to enhance productivity, reduce labour-intensive practices, and make farming more climate-resilient. Such innovations mark a shift toward precision agriculture and tech-driven rural livelihoods.
Through the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) initiative, Meghalaya has adopted an AI-powered platform developed by Deepspatial to monitor student attendance, academic performance, and the implementation of midday meals. The platform enables real-time analytics, which informs targeted interventions and improves accountability in the education system. Additionally, the state is introducing students to AI, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), fostering digital literacy from an early age.
Environment
To tackle pollution in Umiam Lake, one of the state’s key tourist sites, the government has partnered with Clearbot to deploy AI-enabled robotic boats. These boats autonomously collect floating waste and oil, contributing significantly to cleaner water bodies and improved eco-tourism.
Water Resource Management
IoT-enabled sensors are being deployed to monitor water springs across the state. These sensors collect real-time data on water quality and availability, enabling informed decision-making for conservation and efficient resource use.
The Meghalaya E-Governance Human-Centred Assistance (MEGHA) platform exemplifies the use of AI for inclusive governance. Designed as a voice-based AI tool accessible through basic mobile phones, MEGHA allows marginalised communities to access government schemes without the need for internet connectivity or digital literacy.
Research and Development
Meghalaya has joined a national consortium of AI Centres of Excellence in partnership with premier institutions, such as NIT Meghalaya, AIIMS Delhi and various IITs. This initiative aims to foster research in AI applications for healthcare, sustainable urban development, and smart agriculture.
The Government of Meghalaya is demonstrating how AI can be meaningfully embedded within public governance to enhance transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity. From revolutionising environmental clean-up and precision agriculture to democratising access to welfare schemes and education, Meghalaya’s approach reflects a forward-thinking vision for public administration in the digital age.
(Dr. Annapoorna Ravichander is an Independent Consultant)
(Khushi Shetty is a Public Policy Intern and Candidate for LSE MPA 2025)
Banner image by Tara Winstead: https://www.pexels.com/photo/robot-pointing-on-a-wall-8386440/
