AI, Quantum Technologies Transforming Governance: Jitendra Singh
Union Minister urges civil servants to embrace continuous learning and strengthen communication skills for effective governance
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 18th Aug: Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday said Artificial Intelligence (AI), quantum technologies, cybersecurity and digital tools are rapidly transforming governance, making continuous learning and adaptation essential for civil servants.
Addressing participants of the 15-day Refresher Course for Lateral Entry Joint Secretaries, Directors and Deputy Secretaries, the Minister said the evolving administrative landscape demands that officers remain lifelong learners and regularly upgrade their knowledge and professional skills.
Dr. Singh described the refresher programme as a platform for dialogue and mutual learning rather than a conventional lecture series. He encouraged officers to actively participate in discussions and provide feedback to help improve future training programmes.
Highlighting the impact of emerging technologies on governance, the Minister said AI, quantum technologies, cybersecurity and digital platforms are increasingly influencing public administration and policy implementation. He stressed that government officials must understand these technologies to effectively deliver flagship government programmes while upholding constitutional values and institutional integrity.
The Minister also underlined the growing importance of communication in governance, saying officers must effectively engage with government colleagues, political leadership, the media and the public. With the expanding role of social media, he said, communication skills have become an essential requirement for responsible administration.
Dr. Singh said the refresher course covers diverse subjects including policy analysis, digital transformation, municipal finance, public health, cybersecurity, education and government communication. He suggested that government communication should increasingly focus on engaging citizens as well.
Referring to the government’s lateral entry initiative, the Minister said around 63 officers have joined the civil services through the institutionalised mechanism, bringing fresh ideas and expertise from different sectors. He described the refresher programme as a mid-career learning opportunity that supports professional growth.
The Minister also emphasised expanding the outreach of institutions such as the Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) and strengthening collaboration with similar organisations across the country. He called for greater use of participant feedback, including anonymous evaluations, to continuously improve training content and faculty performance.
Concluding his address, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the officers participating in the programme are among the architects of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat 2047 and urged them to approach governance with an open mind, commitment to innovation and a spirit of continuous learning.
