Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Government of Goa has initiated discussions on formulating a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence policy as part of its broader vision to position the state as a hub for emerging technologies. A stakeholder meeting was held at Paryatan Bhavan in Panaji to deliberate on AI governance, innovation and the roadmap for responsible adoption of the technology across sectors.
The meeting was chaired by Rohan A. Khaunte and brought together senior officials from government departments, industry bodies, academic institutions and the technology sector. Representatives from the Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications, state agencies, educational institutions and industry associations participated in the consultation, along with experts joining virtually.
During the discussions, Khaunte highlighted that Artificial Intelligence is rapidly becoming a major driver of innovation, governance and economic growth. He stressed the need for Goa to adopt forward looking policies that harness the transformative potential of AI while ensuring that its benefits are accessible to all sections of society.
The minister also referred to the national vision of expanding access to Artificial Intelligence and emphasised that technological advancement should contribute to improved governance, citizen empowerment and inclusive development. He noted that the state’s policy framework must encourage innovation and entrepreneurship while ensuring responsible and ethical use of AI.
Participants discussed several sectors where AI could significantly enhance governance and public services. These included tourism, agriculture, healthcare, education and digital governance. The meeting also explored ways to strengthen the state’s ecosystem for AI innovation through support for startups, research collaborations, skill development initiatives and partnerships with industry.
Stakeholders highlighted Goa’s strong talent base and academic institutions as important assets in developing a thriving technology ecosystem. Experts shared insights on emerging trends in Artificial Intelligence and emphasised the importance of building indigenous capabilities to support governance and innovation.
The discussions also addressed the need for AI tools to support regional languages. Participants explored the possibility of developing a Konkani large language model in collaboration with national technology initiatives to make AI solutions more accessible for citizens.
Officials informed that a draft AI policy for Goa has already been circulated among stakeholders for feedback. Further consultations will take place in the coming weeks to refine the framework before it is finalised. The proposed policy is expected to align with the state’s broader digital vision aimed at encouraging innovation, strengthening governance and creating opportunities in emerging technologies.
