AI in Governance: Revolutionizing Government Efficiency
The "AI in Governance: Revolutionizing Government Efficiency" session was a key component of the India AI Impact Summit 2026, held from February 16-20, 2026, in New Delhi. This session was organized by the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (J-PAL) in collaboration with the Indian government, focusing on leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance the effectiveness and equity of government programs.
The session delved into the application of machine learning to improve targeted public service delivery, with a case study from Togo illustrating the impact of AI in optimizing resource allocation. Discussions also centered on the role of evidence in designing AI tools that strengthen state capacity and broaden citizen participation, emphasizing the importance of data-driven approaches in governance.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage with notable speakers, including Dean Karlan, Robyn Scott, Kapil Viswanathan, Mohammed Y. Safirulla, and Utkarsh Saxena, who shared their insights and experiences in implementing AI solutions within governmental frameworks. The session also provided networking opportunities for policymakers, technologists, and researchers interested in the intersection of AI and public administration.
This session was particularly relevant for government officials, policy advisors, data scientists, and technology developers aiming to understand and implement AI-driven solutions to enhance government efficiency and service delivery. Participants gained valuable knowledge on integrating AI into public sector operations to achieve more effective and equitable outcomes.
Speakers(4)
Dean Karlan
Former Chief Economist at USAID; J-PAL affiliated professor, Northwestern University
Dean Karlan is the founder and former president of Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA). He previously served as Chief Economist at USAID from 2022 to 2025, and sat on the executive committee of J-PAL’s Board. His research uses experimental and behavioral economics to study poverty reduction, spanning topics such as financial inclusion, agriculture, entrepreneurship, health behavior, and charitable giving across more than 20 countries. He co-founded ImpactMatters and stickK.com, and has co-authored several influential books on evidence and development.
Mohammed Y. Safirulla
Director at IndiaAI Mission, MeitY, Government of India
Shri Mohammad Y. Safirulla is a 2010-batch IAS officer and currently Director of the IndiaAI Mission under MeiTY. Previously, he has driven digital transformation and public service delivery through leadership positions including District Collector & Magistrate of Ernakulam, Project Director of eHealth Kerala, Director of the Kerala State IT Mission, and senior roles in GST administration. He holds a B.E. in Electrical & Electronics Engineering (PSG College of Technology), MBA in Finance (T.A. Pai Management Institute), M.S. in Public Policy & Management (Carnegie Mellon University), and a MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School, with additional specialization in machine learning.
Shri Mohammed Y. Safirulla
Director at IndiaAI Mission, MeitY, Government of India
Shri Mohammad Y. Safirulla is a 2010-batch IAS officer and currently Director of the IndiaAI Mission under MeiTY. Previously, he has driven digital transformation and public service delivery through leadership positions including District Collector & Magistrate of Ernakulam, Project Director of eHealth Kerala, Director of the Kerala State IT Mission, and senior roles in GST administration. He holds a B.E. in Electrical & Electronics Engineering (PSG College of Technology), MBA in Finance (T.A. Pai Management Institute), M.S. in Public Policy & Management (Carnegie Mellon University), and a MPA from the Harvard Kennedy School, with additional specialization in machine learning.
Utkarsh Saxena
Co-founder and CEO at Adalat AI
Event Details
- Date
- February 10, 2026
- Location
- 🇮🇳 New Delhi, India
- Bharat Mandapam
- Pricing
- Free
- Audience
- Government officials, policy advisors, data scientists, technology developers
- Attendees
- Approximately 200 participants