Linguistic Inclusivity: How Govt Is Transforming Panchayat Governance Through AI-Powered Bhashini – News18
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The tool aims to transcend language barriers, ensuring that every citizen can effortlessly access digital services in their own language
By breaking the linguistic barriers, the portal now ensures inclusive participation, better service delivery, and empowers panchayats to address local needs. (Shutterstock)
The government, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting the use of indigenous Artificial Intelligence (AI) through Bhashini — an app to access information in one’s preferred language — has launched multiple transformative tools for rural governance.
The panchayati raj ministry has been using its portal called eGramSwaraj to make maximum use of the AI tool by making the same available in 22 Indian languages. The portal is now catering to almost all regional languages, barring a few.
These 22 languages also include the native languages of tribal communities like Bodo and Santhali and, in addition, the list includes Nepali, Maithili, Dogri, Sanskrit and Urdu along with other state-specific languages.
This has boosted panchayat operations by enabling streamlined planning, budgeting, and monitoring through the region-specific local languages. By breaking the linguistic barriers, the portal now ensures inclusive participation, better service delivery, and empowers panchayats to address local needs effectively, said a senior officer of the ministry who is involved in the process.
Additionally, the ministry has been utilising Bhashini’s Vaanianuvad — voice-to-voice translation — for its conferences and seminars, allowing content to be delivered in native languages.
“This innovation enhances accessibility, ensuring seamless communication and fostering inclusivity in rural governance. This move not only promotes inclusivity but counters the Hindi supremacy narrative as well, showcasing the government’s commitment to empowering all communities,” the officer added.
Linguistic inclusivity over Hindi supremacy
At the recently organised national workshop on the people’s plan campaign 2024 — Sabki Yojana Sabka Vikas — AI-powered tools from Bhashini facilitated live broadcasts in eight regional languages, including Bengali, Tamil, Gujarati and Telugu, setting a fresh start for multilingual engagement.
During the Panchayat Sammelan on Ease of Living: Enhancing Service Delivery at the Grassroots held in Hyderabad a fortnight ago, the ministry further expanded its effort with live-streaming in 11 languages. With an overwhelming response from the attendees, the ministry implemented the programme in the Agra Sammelan held last week.
“The public addresses and other proceedings were streamed in 11 languages which has redefined communication with the members of the panchayat system,” said another senior officer.
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