Soreng, 10 June (IPR): A two-day training programme on “Artificial Intelligence for Governance: Sikkim’s Digital Future” commenced at the Rurban Complex, Soreng BAC, today, aiming to strengthen the understanding and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance and public service delivery. The programme brought together government officials from various line departments, stakeholders and students to explore how AI can support efficient, data-driven, and citizen-centric administration.
The inaugural session began with the formal welcome of the Resource Person, Staff Officer to the Chief Secretary, Mr Sunny Kharel, by District Magistrate, Soreng, Mr Dhiraj Subedi.
In his opening remarks, the District Magistrate welcomed the resource persons and participants, expressing his appreciation for Mr Kharel’s presence and expertise. He observed that governance is steadily transitioning from an output-oriented approach to an outcome-oriented framework, where technology and innovation are key to improving service delivery and informed decision making. He expressed confidence that the training would equip participants with valuable knowledge and practical insights into the evolving role of AI.
Delivering the keynote presentation, Mr Sunny Kharel highlighted the growing significance of Artificial Intelligence in the modern world and its increasing relevance to governance. Through an AI-generated demonstration video, he showcased the capabilities of emerging AI generated Video presentations and its potential to enhance productivity, creativity, and administrative efficiency.
In the presentation he highlighted Evidence-Based Governance, emphasising the use of reliable data, analytics, and evidence in policy formulation and decision making. He explained how AI-driven tools can help governments adopt predictive, proactive, and citizen focused models of governance, strengthening transparency, accountability, and effectiveness.
Envisioning “Sikkim’s Digital Future,” he highlighted points on paperless administration, predictive governance, smart decision-making, and improved citizen services. He emphasised that the successful adoption of AI depends on identifying passion, skills and knowledge, conceptual clarity, and infectious enthusiasm as the four essential ingredients for unlocking AI’s potential.
The technical sessions provided an overview of the interrelationship between Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Deep Learning, explaining their foundations in mathematics,statistics and probability. Through practical examples and case studies, participants were interacted with to real-world scenarios of these technologies across multiple sectors.
Mr Kharel also elaborated on the distinctions and relationship between AI,Machine Learning and Deep Learning, describing the three primary categories of Machine Learning—Supervised Learning, Unsupervised Learning, and Reinforcement Learning and describing its practical applications through relatable examples.
The training further emphasised the rapidly evolving field of Generative AI, highlighting its ability to create text, images, audio, and video content using advanced computational models. Participants were also familiarised with the concept of AI infrastructure, including the role of data centres and the significant computing resources required to support large-scale AI operations. In addition, the session discussed the token-based architecture that underpins AI systems, explaining how tokens are processed and utilised as the basis for measuring computational workload and monetisation, thereby providing participants with a practical understanding of how AI services are delivered and priced.
Concluding the first session, Mr Kharel underscored the importance of Prompt Engineering, demonstrating how well-structured prompts can significantly improve the quality and relevance of AI generated outputs. He encouraged participants to view AI not merely as a technological innovation but as a practical tool capable of enhancing day-to-day official functions, improving efficiency, and fostering innovation in governance.
The training programme proved to be an insightful and engaging learning experience, highlighting the immense potential of Artificial Intelligence in transforming administrative processes and strengthening public service delivery. The second day of the programme will continue with further technical sessions and practical demonstrations.
Present in the meeting were ADC Mr DR Bista, ADC (Dev) Mr Ongdi Sherpa, Additional Director (AH&VS) Dr Kishore Thapa, SDM (Soreng) Ms Sakchum Lepcha, DE (R&B) Mr Nayan Baraily, CPAO (LR&DM) Mr Bishnu Sharma, Under Secretary to the Chief Secretary’s Office, Mr JB Balkuti, along with officers and officials from other line departments and students of Chakung Science College.