Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Wednesday announced that the state government plans to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools into governance as part of its broader transition towards a data-driven administrative system.
Addressing reporters after a state Cabinet meeting, Satheesan said the government has already initiated studies on how AI can be effectively incorporated into public administration and has assigned dedicated personnel to explore its implementation.
“This government will use Artificial Intelligence tools. We are moving towards a data-driven government. As part of that approach, we will make use of AI tools. We have already begun studying how to do this, and we have assigned the necessary personnel to work on it,” the Chief Minister said.
He further defended the move, questioning criticism surrounding the use of advanced technology in governance. “What is wrong with a government doing that?” he asked.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come amid a political debate over the recently released White Paper on Kerala’s finances. The controversy began after senior CPM leader and former Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac alleged during a June 5 press conference that the 122-page financial document, tabled in the Assembly by the UDF government on June 4, may have been generated using AI platforms.
Isaac had raised concerns that the use of AI for drafting such an important document could potentially expose sensitive and confidential data belonging to the Finance Department.
However, while strongly supporting the future use of AI in governance, Satheesan categorically denied claims that artificial intelligence was used in preparing the White Paper.
As reported by Gold 101.3 FM UAE’s No.1 radio station, the Chief Minister clarified that although the government intends to embrace AI technologies across various administrative functions, the White Paper was prepared through conventional processes.
“Some people keep saying that AI was used. Even if AI had been used, what would be wrong with that? We will use AI for such purposes. In this particular case, however, it was not used,” Satheesan stated.
The Chief Minister also addressed questions surrounding the speed at which the extensive financial report was compiled. Critics had questioned how a comprehensive 122-page document could be prepared within just 10 days.
Responding to these concerns, Satheesan defended the efficiency and capabilities of Kerala’s administrative machinery. He pointed out that the document was prepared by a three-member committee headed by former Cabinet Secretary K M Chandrasekhar, whose experience and expertise enabled the timely completion of the report.
The White Paper has become a focal point of political discussion in the state, not only because of its assessment of Kerala’s financial position but also due to the debate it has sparked regarding the role of emerging technologies in government processes.
The announcement signals Kerala’s intention to modernise governance through technology-driven decision-making, with AI expected to play a growing role in data analysis, policy planning and administrative efficiency. At the same time, the government has maintained that transparency, accountability and data security will remain central to any future deployment of AI within the state’s governance framework.
