India stands at the cusp of a technological revolution, with a unique opportunity to demonstrate how artificial intelligence (AI) can strengthen democratic values, according to Lok Sabha Secretary General Utpal Kumar Singh. Speaking at the 61st Conference of Secretaries of Legislative Bodies, Singh underscored the potential of AI to enhance the functioning of legislative bodies, but also highlighted the ethical concerns that must be addressed as the technology continues to evolve.
Singh, in his address, acknowledged that while AI has the capacity to streamline processes, improve transparency, and promote inclusivity within governance, it also brings with it significant challenges. Chief among these concerns are algorithmic bias, misinformation, and privacy risks, all of which demand rigorous safeguards. “We must ensure that AI adoption prioritises transparency, fairness, and public engagement, while fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration,” Singh said.
The Secretary General emphasised the importance of ensuring that AI systems are not only accurate but also context-aware and inclusive, reinforcing the need for ethical principles to guide their deployment in governance. He pointed out that AI has the potential to significantly improve efficiency within parliamentary functions, from automating routine tasks to providing real-time translation services for debates. These advances, Singh argued, could lead to more informed decision-making and greater public participation in legislative processes.
Singh also highlighted several initiatives that have been implemented under the guidance of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to ensure the effective and responsible integration of AI into India’s parliamentary system. These include the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA), Digital Sansad, and AI-powered multilingual services such as “Prabhandak.” These initiatives aim to make legislative processes more inclusive, efficient, and accessible to citizens across the country.
“AI enables automation of routine tasks, real-time translation of debates, and advanced analytics to support informed decision-making,” Singh added. These technological innovations reflect a growing commitment to modernising the legislative process while maintaining democratic values.
Furthermore, Singh cited India’s proactive stance in addressing AI-related ethical issues, particularly through the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and the Advisory Group on AI Regulation. These regulatory measures aim to safeguard citizens’ data privacy and ensure that AI technologies are deployed responsibly in public governance.
Globally, parliaments are also exploring the use of emerging technologies such as blockchain for secure voting and metadata-driven search engines to improve legislative efficiency. The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Singh noted, has advocated for a gradual, risk-based approach to integrating generative AI in parliamentary functions. By taking small, controlled steps, parliaments can better manage the risks while leveraging AI’s benefits.
Countries such as Australia, Canada, and Brazil are leading the way with innovative AI tools in legislative practices, offering valuable lessons for India and other democracies looking to adopt similar technologies. Singh pointed out that these nations are pioneering AI integration, particularly in areas like secure voting systems and parliamentary automation, which can serve as valuable models for India’s own legislative evolution.
“As the world’s largest democracy, India has a unique opportunity to demonstrate how technology can reinforce democratic ideals,” Singh remarked. With over a billion citizens, India’s experience with AI adoption in its legislative process will not only be a milestone for the country but could also offer a blueprint for other democracies globally.
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The discussion at the 61st Conference of Secretaries of Legislative Bodies highlights the growing recognition of AI’s potential to shape the future of governance. While challenges remain, the commitment to developing robust safeguards and ethical guidelines reflects India’s determination to leverage AI technology responsibly.
In addition to his speech, Singh also mentioned that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla would chair the 85th meeting of the All India Presiding Officers Conference. Birla, who arrived in the city on Sunday, also had a courtesy meeting with Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan. The focus of these meetings will likely include discussions on AI integration and the future direction of legislative practices in India.
As the country continues to embrace new technologies, the ethical implications of AI will undoubtedly be a topic of ongoing debate. Ensuring that these technologies serve the public interest while upholding democratic values will be key to their successful integration in India’s governance framework.
