Bhubaneswar: In a push toward modernisation and real-time governance, the Odisha Rural Works Department has sought approval to integrate advanced artificial intelligence (AI) software and premium cloud utilities into its daily operations under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) framework.
In a formal proposal submitted to the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Rural Development Department, the Office of the Engineer-in-Chief (Rural Works) highlighted that the department’s transition toward data-driven decision-making is currently being hampered by basic, free-tier software constraints. It further stated that the volume of digital assets — ranging from high-resolution road alignment maps and detailed project reports to progress photographs and financial records—has surged significantly, quickly outgrowing the current free 15GB cloud storage limit, with administrative and field activities broadening.
The department pointed out that its dependence on free-tier digital tools has created operational bottlenecks, particularly during high-level project reviews. Regular online review meetings chaired by senior engineers and field staff are frequently interrupted by participant limits and session time caps inherent to basic platforms.
To address these constraints, the department has proposed subscribing to premium digital services that would provide expanded cloud storage, uninterrupted high-capacity video conferencing facilities and access to advanced artificial intelligence tools. “To ensure seamless workflow continuity, enhance collaborative efficiency, high- capacity online VC setup and leverage cutting-edge artificial intelligence for daily tasks, it is proposed to procure paid subscriptions of Google One, Google Al Pro and ChatGPT Plus,” it stated.
While this proposal stands out as a major initiative to embed generative AI into daily state operations, implementation remains subject to final administrative and financial approval from the Rural Development Department. “…it is requested that necessary administrative approval and financial sanction may be accorded for the procurement of these paid digital and Al subscriptions,” it added.
