Odisha Data and AI Policy in the offing, announces IT Minister Dr. Mahaling at 8th NMC

Bhubaneswar: With the rapid growth of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) market in the globe, India is at the forefront of leveraging cutting-edge technology to redefine media dynamics. “As we look ahead, Odisha Government’s IT Department is proud to announce its own AI Policy, Data Processing Policy, and Data Policy. These are critical steps towards positioning Odisha as India’s leading data hub, fostering innovation and growth in technology,” said Minister of Electronics and IT Dr. Mukesh Mahaling here on Saturday.

Inaugurating the eighth edition of National Media Conclave (NMC) themed on ‘Media in AI Era’ at KIMS Auditorium on KIIT Campus here, Dr. Mahaling announced the State Government’s ambitious plans to establish a new Forensic Science University in Odisha and introduce an undersea cable station in Puri for propelling Odisha’s digital and technological future.

The second Forensic Science University in India is coming up in Odisha, which will have extensive curriculum on AI-based studies to counter cybercrime. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to lay foundation stone on November 30, he informed.

“AI is also contributing to the GDP growth and the overall growth of the economy. India is also set to produce world’s most efficient AI talent pool,” he added.

Remembering Dr. Harekrushna Mahtab, Dr. Mahaling said the former CM is the symbol of Odia asmita. Mahtab led way of accession of princely states with rest of India, he said.

Chairing the session, Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University Prof. Sabita Acharya said, “Artificial Intelligence has affected media production and distribution to unimaginable extent.  Artificial Intelligence is bringing about a transformative shift in the global media landscape, influencing both traditional print and electronic platforms”.

Delivering the opening remarks, Senior Professor of Communication at Manipal Institute of Communication Prof. BP Sanjay said, “As an institution, Media has a greater role in bridging the democratization of the knowledge process. Understanding of Indian context is very crucial in having a broad institutional dimension for AI in Media.” He called for an AI intervention in media education.

Pro-Vice Chancellor of KIIT University Prof. Debashis Bandyopadhyay said artificial intelligence will help democratisation of media content, but its ethical use is a concern.

On the occasion, a booklet comprising abstracts of research papers and a monograph titled ‘Digital Media and Technocracy: Indian Binaries’ were released. Prof. BP Sanjay was conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award for his outstanding contribution to the field of media education and research.

The national conference witnessed some of India’s best minds in media and communication exchanging their ideas and exploring a roadmap for the use of Artificial Intelligence in journalism, academics and governance. Dubbed as the biggest media extravaganza of the country, the conclave paid tribute to Odisha’s former Chief Minister Dr Harekrushna Mahtab, who was one of India’s pre-eminent journalists.

Organised by Institute of Media Studies (IMS), Utkal University in collaboration with KIIT University, IT Department and ICSSR, the Media Mahakumbh will conclude on Monday.

Three plenary sessions on ‘Government Perspective on AI in India’; ‘Industry Assessment on AI by Apex Bodies’ and ‘Contribution of Dr. Harekrushna Mahatab to Odia Journalism were also held. A memorial lecture on Prof. Sunil Kanta Behera was delivered by Member of Press Council India Prof. Baldev Raj Gupta.

Around 60 research papers will be presented in different parallel sessions on Sunday. The closing ceremony will be graced by ministers and eminent media educators on Monday.