JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir is set to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and emerging technologies in collaboration with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (BISAG-N).
The initiative, discussed in a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, aims to drive technology-led governance, digital transformation, and sustainable development in the Union Territory. The CoE will align with the Government of India’s vision under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the India AI Mission, focusing on integrating AI, Machine Learning (ML), Cloud Computing, and GIS-based decision-making across governance sectors. Senior BISAG-N officials, including Director General T P Singh and Special Director General Dr. Vinay Thakur, provided insights into national-level technology interventions and ongoing projects across India.
BISAG-N, an autonomous scientific society under MeitY, specialises in research, development, and training in space technology, geospatial informatics, and satellite applications. It plays a key role in developing GIS and remote sensing solutions for governance, agriculture, disaster management, and infrastructure planning. It also works on satellite-based communication networks for telemedicine, e-education, and emergency response. The institute supports e-governance initiatives by creating geo-enabled decision support systems and digital infrastructure, while also leveraging AI and big data analytics for weather forecasting, resource mapping, and precision agriculture. With collaborations spanning ISRO, NIC, and various state governments, BISAG-N contributes to national missions such as Digital India, Smart Cities, and the National Geospatial Policy.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasised the need for Jammu and Kashmir to emerge as a national leader in AI-driven governance, urging departments to identify key areas where BISAG-N’s expertise could be leveraged. Some of the priority areas discussed included real-time digitisation and automation of land records, AI-based predictive analytics for power purchase planning, reduction of transmission and distribution losses, and the use of satellite imagery and AI models for flood monitoring, irrigation network optimisation, and water resource mapping. AI-driven anomaly detection systems for tax fraud prevention, early warning mechanisms for struggling MSMEs, and smart tourism management tools were also considered. The Chief Secretary directed officials to prepare a formal proposal for submission to MeitY at the earliest. A potential Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between BISAG-N and the J&K Government was also discussed, with a focus on fast-tracking implementation. He further suggested collaboration with IIT Jammu for capacity building and knowledge-sharing.
BISAG-N Director General T P Singh stressed the importance of outcome-driven implementation with clear, measurable timelines, while Dr. Vinay Thakur highlighted BISAG-N’s commitment to designing tailor-made digital solutions for J&K’s specific governance needs. The initiative will also focus on engaging local youth in development and implementation, ensuring sustainability and skill development in the region. With the Centre of Excellence set to drive AI and GIS-led governance, the initiative is expected to position Jammu and Kashmir as a model for digital governance and smart public service delivery, marking a major leap towards technology-driven growth and administrative efficiency.
