CM advises youth to embrace AI

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 14 :  Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand has advised the State’s youth to embrace Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies.  
The Chief Minister today inaugurated eSeva Kendra, Manipur at the Manipur Information Technology Park, Mantripukhri and attended a one-Day BHASHINI Manipur Rajyam Workshop organised by the Department of Information Technology, Government of Manipur.
The Chief Minister stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly enabling communication across different languages spoken around the world and called upon the younger generation to take a greater role in embracing and advancing the technology.
He expressed confidence that the youth of Manipur would keep pace with these developments and move forward without being left behind.
Appreciating the efforts of the BHASHINI in overcoming language barriers through AI-based language technologies, the Chief Minister said the initiative would facilitate communication among people speaking different languages across the country.
He also lauded that the initiative will bring together the 33 linguistic communities of Manipur through their respective languages and develop mechanisms for seamless communication among them.
Stating that Manipur has earned recognition across the world in various fields such as arts, culture and sports, Yumnam Khem-chand expressed confidence that the State’s youth would also take a leading role in the field of Information Technology.
He assured that the State Government would extend all possible support to encourage and empower young people to participate more actively in the sector.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of making digital services accessible to citizens in their own languages, particularly those living in remote areas.
He expressed hope that the application of AI and language technologies would improve access to public information and services and create new opportunities in education, healthcare and citizen-service delivery.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated eSeva Kendra, Manipur, aimed at bringing Government services closer to the people.
The centre will provide assisted access to digital government services, with a focus on clear guidance and support for citizens who require assistance in navi- gating digital platforms and administrative procedures.
Emphasising the need to make technology meaningful in people’s lives, he called upon departments and institutions to explore practical applications of emerging technologies and develop locally relevant solutions that address the needs of the people.
During the programme, the Government of Manipur and Microsoft exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to streng- then collaboration in areas including Artificial Intelligence, digital governance, emerging technologies, capacity building and digital skilling.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that the partnership would translate into practical outcomes that empower the youth, strengthen institutions and improve public services.
The programme also featured the presentation of training and placement certificates to selected candi- dates under the HCLTech TechBee Programme.
The State Government provides sponsorship of Rs 50,000 per student under the initiative. Of the 116 students trained so far under the programme, 57 have completed their training and joined HCLTech as full-time employees while continuing their graduation. The Chief Minister interacted with candidates who had completed their training and secured employment placements in different States, encouraging them to make the most of the opportunities available in the IT sector. The programme also included recognition of winners of Hackathon Championship, with the Chief Minister handing over prizes to the winners.
He subsequently inspected various stalls showcasing technology, innovation and startup initiatives, and interacted with participants.
The programme was attended by Somorjit Salam, Secretary, Information Technology; Amitabh Nag, Chief Executive Officer, Digital India BHASHINI Division; Keshri Kumar Asthana, Chief Technology Officer, Public Sector, Microsoft; Thirumurugan Subbaraj, Associate Vice President, HCLTech; representatives of MeitY and NeGD; officials of the State Government and other dignitaries.