Guwahati, May 15: In a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at enhancing digital governance, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday introduced an Artificial Intelligence (AI) anchor named Ankita to present key highlights from the recent state cabinet meeting.

Announcing the launch on X, CM Sarma posted, “Meet Ankita, our AI anchor who brings you the latest updates on the recent Assam Cabinet meeting. From approving the change of Dibrugarh Airport’s name after Bhupen Hazarika to a one-time grant for tea garden workers, we made a host of decisions for the public.”

In the video shared, Ankita is seen delivering the cabinet updates in fluent Assamese with realistic facial expressions and voice modulation. The AI anchor highlighted major government decisions, including renaming Dibrugarh Airport in honour of cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika and financial assistance for tea garden workers.

This digital initiative is part of the Assam government’s broader push to modernise communication and improve citizen engagement through the use of technology.

CM Sarma has been a vocal proponent of emerging technologies such as AI and Machine Learning. Last year, Assam introduced ‘Iris’, the state’s first AI teacher at Royal Global School in Guwahati, designed to assist students with interactive learning.

In a similar move, Doordarshan Kisan recently launched two AI anchors—AI Krish and AI Bhoomi—on May 26, 2024, to deliver agricultural news around the clock.

The launch of Ankita is seen as a step toward making governance more transparent, interactive, and accessible to the digital generation.