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MoSPI Hosts National Workshop on Leveraging Administrative Data for Governance Reforms

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The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) organised a National-Level Consultative Workshop in New Delhi on “Using Administrative Data for Governance: Harmonising Departmental Data at the State and UT Level.” The workshop forms part of the groundwork for the upcoming national deliberative summit, Data for Development, scheduled for April. Speaking at the inaugural session, S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), underscored the importance of dismantling data silos and fostering responsible data-sharing frameworks to enable real-time, evidence-based policymaking. MoSPI Secretary Dr. Saurabh called on States and Union Territories to institutionalise data-driven governance by expanding structured consultations at both State and district levels. He stressed that harmonised and accessible administrative data is crucial for improving public service delivery and development outcomes. The day-long deliberations included thematic sessions focused on aligning departmental datasets, enhancing interoperability across systems, and developing AI-ready, linkable-by-design data infrastructures. The workshop concluded with a collective resolve to promote coordinated, transparent, and evidence-based governance practices across States and Union Territories. Source: Newsonair

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India Introduces AI Governance Guidelines to Ensure Safe and Responsible Adoption

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The Indian government has unveiled its first set of Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance guidelines, outlining a framework for the safe, transparent, and ethical use of AI technologies. The non-binding rules, released on Wednesday, are expected to shape India’s long-term vision for AI regulation ahead of the IndiaAI Impact Summit scheduled for February next year. Developed under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the guidelines recommend potential amendments to the Information Technology (IT) Act to better classify AI systems and define liability across the AI value chain. The document highlights that the current definition of “intermediary” under the IT Act — covering telecom operators, search engines, and even cyber cafés — is outdated in the context of autonomous AI systems capable of generating data independently. Principal Scientific Adviser Ajay Sood noted that the new framework aims to provide clarity on responsibilities of AI developers and deployers, while also ensuring accountability. He added that the framework could serve as a model for AI governance in the Global South, especially for countries with limited regulatory resources. The guidelines also propose an India-specific AI risk assessment framework based on real-world harm evidence, along with a national database of AI incidents to track misuse, bias, and potential threats. This centralised repository will collect data from smaller regional databases managed by sectoral regulators, helping policymakers better understand the societal and security implications of AI technologies. The framework further recommends establishing new institutions to oversee AI policy, including an AI Governance Group—a permanent inter-ministerial body responsible for coordination and policy development—and leveraging the newly formed AI Safety Institute as the lead authority for ensuring safe and trusted AI use in India. Other key proposals include adopting regulatory sandboxes to allow innovation in controlled environments with limited legal exposure, and mandating accessible grievance redressal mechanisms through the existing Grievance Appellate Committee process. The guidelines also stress the need to update copyright laws to support large-scale AI model training and clarify digital platform classifications. MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan said the government is committed to acting when necessary to ensure AI is developed responsibly and ethically. The document, shaped after studying AI policies in the US, European Union, and China, and informed by over 2,500 submissions from stakeholders including academia, industry, and government bodies, marks a significant step in India’s effort to build a robust governance ecosystem for emerging technologies. Source: Economic Times

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India’s Digital Trust Revolution: National Blockchain Framework Redefines Governance

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In the backdrop of India’s fast-evolving digital ecosystem, a quiet yet powerful transformation is underway—rooted not in additional red tape, but in a foundation of trust. The National Blockchain Framework (NBF), introduced by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) in September 2024 with an outlay of ₹64.76 crore, represents India’s strategic push toward embedding transparency, integrity, and accountability within digital governance. For decades, governance in India operated through siloed databases and hierarchical permissions, often slowing down service delivery and leaving room for inefficiencies or manipulation. The NBF signals a fundamental shift—from centralized control to decentralized validation, leveraging blockchain’s core principles of immutability, shared ledgers, and trust-by-design systems. At its core, the framework is powered by the Vishvasya Blockchain Stack—a homegrown, modular “Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS)” platform managed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). The stack operates across data centers in Bhubaneswar, Pune, and Hyderabad, forming the technological backbone of this nationwide initiative. Complementing it are two crucial components: NBFLite, a sandbox environment fostering innovation by allowing startups, researchers, and educational institutions to experiment with blockchain-based solutions. Praamaanik, a blockchain-enabled verification tool ensuring mobile applications’ authenticity. The results, even at this early stage, are impressive. As of October 21, 2025, over 34 crore documents have been verified using the platform—spanning property records, judiciary databases, logistics systems, and educational certificates. What began as an ambitious architectural blueprint has swiftly evolved into a functional ecosystem delivering real-world trust and efficiency. For citizens, this translates to instant verification and reduced dependency on intermediaries. For governments, it ensures secure, auditable processes resistant to tampering. For businesses, it creates a transparent environment that enhances compliance and confidence. Collectively, it strengthens India’s push for Atmanirbhar Bharat, by nurturing indigenous technology and reducing reliance on external blockchain systems. However, this transformation isn’t without hurdles. Integrating blockchain across diverse state systems and departments demands continuous skill-building, harmonization of legal frameworks, and alignment between policy and technology. Equally vital is citizen awareness—without which digital trust cannot fully take root. Echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that “Digital India is an empowered India,” the NBF stands as more than an infrastructure project—it’s a reimagination of governance built on verified truth and transparency. As the framework expands, India is poised to witness governance that’s faster, verifiable, citizen-driven, and inherently trustworthy—anchored by a digital backbone designed for trust. Source: DD News

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Parliament Panel Seeks Legal, Tech Framework to Combat AI-Driven Fake News

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A parliamentary panel has urged the government to put in place robust legal and technological mechanisms to track, identify, and penalize those responsible for spreading AI-generated fake news. In its draft report, the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology — chaired by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey — emphasized the need for a balanced use of Artificial Intelligence. While AI is being applied to detect misinformation, the report cautioned that the same technology can also generate and amplify it. The report has been submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and will be tabled in the upcoming session. The committee has recommended stronger coordination between the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and other concerned departments. Among its proposals are exploring licensing requirements for AI content creators and introducing mandatory labelling for AI-generated text, videos, and images. It also highlighted ongoing government-backed projects such as deep learning-based speech detection systems and software tools designed to identify deepfake videos and images. The MeitY has already set up a nine-member panel to study deepfake-related challenges. While ministries have cautioned that AI in its current state cannot independently fact-check complex issues, the committee suggested using AI as a first filter to flag suspicious content, followed by human verification. Calling fake news a “serious threat” to democracy and public order, the panel urged amendments in penal laws, higher fines, and greater accountability. It also suggested mandating fact-checking units and internal ombudsmen in all media organizations, while stressing that such measures should be built through consensus among stakeholders. Although committee recommendations are not binding, they often guide government policy due to their bipartisan weight. Source: PTI

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Online Gaming Bill 2025 introduced in Lok Sabha: Blanket ban on money games sparks debate

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Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday introduced The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha, even as opposition members voiced protests. The Bill, cleared by the Union Cabinet a day earlier, proposes a complete ban on online games involving monetary stakes, citing growing concerns of addiction, financial distress, and suicides among youth. Soon after the Bill was tabled, proceedings were adjourned until 2 PM. MeitY clarifies intent Explaining the move, IT Secretary S. Krishnan said the Bill addresses two key issues — recognising the scope of the online gaming industry while also curbing harmful real-money games. He emphasised that this is a “societal decision,” noting that the government had weighed concerns of job losses but prioritised public well-being. He added that a regulatory authority will be established to classify permissible and banned games. eSports and social games, including subscription-based formats without monetary rewards, will remain legal. What the Bill proposes Under the draft law: Offering online money games could attract up to three years in jail or fines up to ₹1 crore. Advertising such services could lead to two years in jail or fines up to ₹50 lakh. Banks and financial institutions enabling transactions for money games may also face penalties. Repeat offenders risk harsher sentences — three to five years in jail and higher fines. Importantly, the Bill does not criminalise players, treating them as victims rather than offenders. The legislation defines an “online money game” as any game where players pay fees, deposit money, or stake assets with the expectation of monetary returns — irrespective of whether it is skill-based or chance-based. It aims to curb gambling risks, financial exploitation, money laundering, and mental health crises while fostering a safe space for eSports and game development in India. Industry backlash Industry groups, including the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF), E-Gaming Federation (EGF), and the Federation of India Fantasy Sports (FIFS), have warned of severe fallout. In a letter to Home Minister Amit Shah, they claimed the blanket ban could wipe out over 2 lakh jobs, force the shutdown of more than 400 companies, and push users toward unregulated and illegal platforms. They highlighted that online skill gaming has become a ₹2 lakh crore industry, generating ₹31,000 crore in revenue and contributing ₹20,000 crore in taxes annually. The sector, growing at 20% CAGR, was projected to double by 2028, with India’s gamer base already exceeding 50 crore players by 2024. Industry voices fear that the ban could derail India’s progress as a digital innovator, discourage foreign investment, and trigger large-scale unemployment. Public health perspective Supporters of the Bill, however, argue it is a much-needed safeguard. “This is more than regulation — it is protection,” said Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals. “Online money games have exposed children and youth to exploitation and mental health risks. This step puts wellbeing first.” Source: Economic Times  

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