Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, on Monday visited NITI Aayog’s Viksit Bharat Strategy Room (VBSR), where he experienced an advanced AI-enabled immersive centre designed to enhance evidence-based decision making for policymakers across the country.
The newly launched ‘Viksit Bharat Strategy Room’ (VBSR) represents a groundbreaking advancement in data-driven governance. Officially launched on March 7, 2024, this innovative center integrates cutting-edge technology to assist government officials at the central, state, district, and block levels in analyzing data in real time, enabling informed and efficient policy decisions. The VBSR marks a significant leap forward in how government functions and makes decisions, making it a pivotal tool for India’s vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
Equipped with 27 interactive screens and operated via centrally located touchscreens, the VBSR offers a dynamic platform to explore and analyze data across various states, sectors, and government programs. The center utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) software that is powered by machine learning and natural language processing, providing policymakers with a robust tool to interpret complex data efficiently and make decisions based on actionable insights.
The importance of this initiative was emphasized by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the center on July 11, 2024. The Prime Minister underscored the role of such technologies in advancing India’s development agenda and enhancing governance through data and innovation. He highlighted the VBSR’s potential in ensuring more transparent, efficient, and informed decision-making processes at all levels of government.
The success of the VBSR has inspired the development of several similar AI-powered experience centers across India. One notable example is ‘Tagbin BoardRoomAI,’ a solution designed to revolutionize boardroom decision-making by providing real-time insights and predictive analytics. Saurav Bhaik, a key visionary behind the initiative and CEO of Tagbin, remarked, “The VBSR is more than just a data center; it represents a paradigm shift in governance. By combining cutting-edge AI with policymaking, we are empowering leaders to make more informed, impactful decisions for India’s growth.”
In Bihar, the Bihar Institute of Public Administration & Rural Development (BIPARD) has established the GenNext Lab, which focuses on real-time data collection and advanced analysis for better governance. Additionally, the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) is creating its own AI-driven strategy room to equip future leaders with interactive tools and data analytics for informed decision-making.
On an international front, ahead of his visit to India, Bill Gates praised the country’s strides in public health, particularly its success in eradicating polio, recalling his visit in 2011 when the last polio case was recorded in the country. In a LinkedIn post, Gates acknowledged the efforts of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in collaborating with the Indian government, researchers, and entrepreneurs to drive progress in healthcare, agriculture, and digital transformation over the past two decades.
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