Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 10 August 2024
In a significant step towards enhancing public service delivery through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, the Andaman & Nicobar Administration has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Wadhwani Foundation, a non-profit organization known for its focus on economic development through technology and innovation. The signing ceremony, which took place on August 9th, marks a major milestone in the Union Territory Administration’s ongoing efforts to modernize and improve its services.
The MoU was officially signed by the Secretary (IT) of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration and the Chief Executive Officer of the Wadhwani Foundation, representing the Skills Development Network (SDN) based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the implementing partner of the Foundation. The event was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Mr. Keshav Chandra, IAS, along with other senior officials.
During the ceremony, the Chief Secretary expressed his appreciation to the Wadhwani Foundation for their collaboration and support in integrating transformative technologies into the Union Territory’s e-Governance initiatives. He highlighted the importance of analyzing the dataset compiled for the Berojgar Mukt Bharat Scheme and urged the Foundation to help bridge data gaps using artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies, with the ultimate goal of achieving a “Berojgar Mukt Andaman.”
Furthermore, the Chief Secretary proposed expanding the MoU to include the skilling of students and job seekers in the Islands in emerging technologies. This addition would provide the youth of Andaman & Nicobar with opportunities to acquire valuable skills, launch businesses in technology-driven sectors, and secure employment in leading companies across the country.
The partnership is set to upskill the Administration’s workforce in critical areas such as data analytics, AI, machine learning, drones, and blockchain technology. The adoption of these technologies is expected to significantly enhance the delivery of public services and improve the evaluation of policy impacts. Various e-Governance initiatives across departments such as Social Welfare, Education, SOVTECH, and the Registrar of Birth & Death will be revitalized through the integration of AI and other technologies under this collaboration.
During the event, Mr. Sudhir Aggarwal, Director of Digital Transformation, Mr. Sunil Dahiya, Executive Vice President of Wadhwani Skilling, and Dr. R.K. Gupta, Chief Technology Officer of Wadhwani Government Digital Transformation, presented insights on the potential sectors where the Andaman & Nicobar Administration could leverage AI and emerging technologies to enhance public service delivery.
This strategic partnership between the Andaman & Nicobar Administration and the Wadhwani Foundation is expected to equip government employees and residents of the Islands with essential skills and facilitate the effective implementation of emerging technologies across various domains. The initiative is anticipated to result in more efficient, innovative, and citizen-centric public services.