Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, visited NITI Aayog’s Viksit Bharat Strategy Room (VBSR) on Monday, where he explored an advanced AI-powered immersive centre designed to assist policymakers in making data-driven decisions.
VBSR: A Game-Changer in Governance
The Viksit Bharat Strategy Room, launched on March 7, 2024, is an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing evidence-based policymaking at central, state, district, and block levels. Equipped with 27 interactive screens, controlled by centrally located touchscreens, the facility enables officials to analyze real-time data across multiple sectors and government programs.
The AI-driven software powering VBSR utilizes machine learning and natural language processing, allowing policymakers to interpret complex data efficiently. This initiative gained national attention when Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the centre on July 11, 2024, reaffirming its role in shaping India’s vision for Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
AI-Powered Decision-Making Expands Across India
Encouraged by VBSR’s success, similar AI-powered experience centres have been established across India:
- Tagbin BoardRoomAI – A system designed to transform boardroom decision-making with real-time insights and predictive analytics.
- GenNext Lab (Bihar) – Set up by the Bihar Institute of Public Administration & Rural Development (BIPARD), this lab focuses on real-time data collection and interpretation for better governance.
- AI Strategy Room (LBSNAA) – The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration is developing an AI-powered facility to train future leaders in data-driven policymaking.
Bill Gates Praises India’s Public Health Achievements
Ahead of his visit, Bill Gates praised India’s remarkable progress in public health, particularly its successful eradication of polio. Reflecting on his 2011 visit, when India recorded its last polio case, he highlighted the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s two-decade-long collaboration with India’s government, researchers, and entrepreneurs to drive advancements in healthcare, agriculture, and digital transformation.
“Over the past two decades, the foundation has worked alongside the Indian government to accelerate progress in key areas,” Gates said in a LinkedIn post, underscoring his commitment to India’s development.
With AI-driven governance and data-backed policymaking, India is taking significant strides toward achieving its Viksit Bharat vision.
