Panaji: Goa is moving closer to finalising its artificial intelligence (AI) policy, with the department of information technology, electronics and communications (DITE&C) holding stakeholder consultations with industry players to refine the draft policy.Goa Technology Association (GTA) has submitted recommendations covering 12 broad areas, including establishment of a Goa AI centre of excellence on a public-private partnership model, a Goa State Data Exchange with access to anonymised datasets, introduction of AI adoption subsidies for MSMEs, and launching a Goa AI Mission for skilling at school, college and workforce levels.GTA president Mangirish Salelkar also recommended positioning Goa as India’s “Responsible AI and Applied Innovation Hub,” with a five-year roadmap tied to measurable outcomes.IT minister Rohan Khaunte previously committed at the Goa legislative assembly’s budget session to finalising the policy within 100 days. The state has since been fast-tracking consultations to shape an inclusive, ethics-driven AI roadmap.“A policy focused on execution, ecosystem enablement, and measurable outcomes will ensure meaningful impact for the state’s economy and society,” said Salelkar.The current draft incorporates 57 suggestions gathered from industry bodies and institutions, including GTA, Assocham Goa, GCCI, the education department and IndiaAI.The meeting was chaired by department director Kabir Shirgaonkar and attended by joint director Milind Sakhardande, startup & IT promotion cell chief executive officer DS Prashant, and Salelkar, among others. GTA members subsequently met Khaunte, who took direct feedback from them and specifically enquired about the challenges faced by AI startups. Khaunte said that the pain points will be reflected in the final policy.Industry players have recommended that the state adopt the use of AI in tourism, mobility, waste management, healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, and traffic optimisation.
