Devyani Rana advocates increased use of AI in governance
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today witnessed a wide-ranging discussion on privatization of the Automatic Testing Station (ATS), sports infrastructure gaps, use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), ration card bifurcation, transport facilities and youth engagement, besides other constituency specific issues raised by the legislators.
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During discussion on the grants of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Transport, Science & Technology, Information Technology, Youth Services & Sports, ARI & Training departments, headed by Minister Satish Sharma, BJP legislator from Bahu Assembly segment, Choudhary Vikram Randhawa, raised serious concerns over privatization of the Automatic Testing Station (ATS) system for vehicle fitness certification.
He alleged bulk charging in testing fees, claiming transporters were paying huge sums to a private vendor, Ravish Malhotra, who has been engaged by the Government.
He said the private vendor had earned nearly Rs 1.5- 2 crores in the last two months and that the ATS station was functioning on 8 kanals of rented land at Sehora.
Questioning the parameters adopted for setting up such a costly facility, he warned of approaching the ACB.
Randhawa also flagged delay in bifurcation of ration cards despite Union Government clarification, ambiguity in BPL and APL categories, and alleged that affluent persons were availing BPL benefits.
He also sought retrieval of 700 kanals of encroached land in his constituency for a world-class stadium, and opposed extension of e-bus services to Kathua, Udhampur and Doda citing impact on private operators.
Independent MLA from Langate, Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, raised the issue of J&K cricket team players allegedly not being provided transport from their hotel to the venue despite qualifying for the Ranji Trophy finals.
He pointed out that only 54 out of 324 grounds in the UT generate revenue, and demanded regularization of ReKs and an SRTC bus service between Srinagar and Langate.
Independent MLA from Surankote, Choudhary Mohammad Akram, demanded establishment of two playfields in his constituency to promote sports among youth.
BJP MLA from Doda West, Shakti Raj Parihar, alleged that the Government was giving contradictory replies in the House and failed to curb AT&D losses.
He highlighted staff shortages, demanded SRTC buses for rural areas, an ARTO office for Doda, and promotion of water transport and sports infrastructure.
BJP MLA from Hiranagar, Vijay Sharma, called for rationalisation of sports infrastructure policy, saying some areas have infrastructure without players while others have players without facilities.
He demanded ration depots remain open for at least 7 days instead of 2-3 days and sought clarification over the outsourcing of IT sector employees.
National Conference MLA from Beerwah, Dr Shafi Ahmed Wani, complimented the Government for Mission Yuva providing employment to educated youth, but expressed concern over high road accident mortality in J&K and sought steps to control food quality and prices.
NC MLA from Rajpora, Ghulam Mohi Uddin Mir, appreciated provision of 6 free LPG cylinders to AAY households and free bus rides to women and PwDs. He also demanded Khelo India events in rural areas to counter the growing drug menace.
BJP MLA from Nagrota, Devyani Rana, strongly advocated increased use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance.
She suggested introducing AI in school curriculum, upskilling staff, and using AI in sports training and selections to ensure transparency.
She also called for a review of the ongoing and proposed IT projects in the Union Territory to incorporate AI components and ensure that the projects do not become obsolete due to fast changing technology.
“AI has the potential to make healthcare and education more affordable and accessible,” she said, adding that AI upskilling would soon become essential for employment opportunities.
Independent MLA from Shopian, Shabir Kullay, appreciated the Government for AI-based advance warning systems for farmers to tackle horticulture diseases and weather adversities. He demanded stadiums or playfields in every town and village.
NC MLA from Sonawari, Hilal Akbar Lone, sought fair price shops in tribal areas and highlighted poor sports infrastructure in his constituency. He also demanded development of water sports facilities.
NC MLA from Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar, raised the issue of lack of arena and rollers for kabaddi grounds and shortage of women-oriented sports facilities. He demanded establishment of sports shooting ranges in his area.
BJP MLA from Akhnoor, Mohan Lal, said the youth population in J&K is higher than the national average and stressed channelizing their energy into sports. He sought acquisition of land at Daskal for sports infrastructure, highlighted shortage of trained coaches and PeTs, demanded promotion of water sports, bifurcation of ration cards and installation of CCTV cameras in buses.
PDP MLA from Kupwara, Fayaz Ahmad Mir, alleged that areas previously represented by PDP were being ignored developmentally. He thanked the Government for providing 50 solar lights and sought ration cards for deserving people.
NC MLA from Baramulla, Javid Hassan Baig, demanded upgradation of sports infrastructure and sought ration distribution based on fresh surveys, saying ration is still being issued as per the last census despite increase in population.
BJP MLA from Reasi, Kuldeep Raj Dubey, thanked the Union Government for extension of a special train between Budgam and Reasi. He highlighted staff shortages in the FCS&CA Department and in General Zorawar Stadium and Indoor Stadium in Reasi, and demanded additional playgrounds.
Congress MLA from Wagoora-Kreeri, Irfan Hafiz Lone, demanded that free LPG benefits be extended to BPL and other poor families besides AAY categories. He stressed boosting sports to curb crime and drug addiction among youth, sought an RTO office for Sopore, and measures to reduce accident rate in the UT.
NC MLAs Dr Sajad Shafi and Qaysar Jamshaid Lone also participated in the discussion and spoke on the grants related to their constituencies.use of AI in governance
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