Rajasthan Government Employs AI to Tackle Corruption in Water Infrastructure
Jaipur: In a significant move to enhance governance and accountability, the Rajasthan government has announced plans to deploy artificial intelligence (AI) technology to curb corruption and inefficiencies in water supply and related projects across the state. This initiative aims to bring unprecedented transparency to public works, addressing long-standing issues in the sector.
Major Investment in AI Center of Excellence
Officials revealed that the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) will establish a Centre of Excellence at its Jal Bhawan headquarters, with an initial allocation of Rs 10 crore. This center will focus on developing and implementing IT solutions for water security and resource optimization. Additionally, the government has earmarked Rs 50 crore for creating advanced monitoring software that will enable real-time oversight of schemes and projects directly from government offices.
"This center will leverage cutting-edge technology to ensure that every movement of officials is meticulously recorded. We are confident that this system will significantly enhance transparency and accountability in our operations," stated a senior official from the department.
Comprehensive Monitoring and Fraud Detection
The new AI-driven system is designed to provide site-specific tracking of project progress, detect incomplete work, and prevent unnecessary delays. More importantly, it will be instrumental in identifying fraudulent activities, such as the use of fake certificates in awarding contracts under union government-sponsored schemes like the Jal Jeevan Mission.
"PHED has faced allegations of accepting fake certificates prepared on government computers within its own offices. The AI technology will be crucial in detecting such counterfeit documents and preventing misconduct," explained another official, highlighting the system's potential to root out corruption.
Existing Technological Implementations
The department has already integrated various technologies to improve efficiency and transparency. These include AI-powered mobile applications, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC), and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, which facilitate real-time tracking and enhanced control over tanker operations and water supply processes.
Furthermore, PHED has successfully installed an AI-based surveillance system at the hydrant in Malviya Nagar to prevent pilferage and theft of valuable drinking water supplied from the Bisalpur Dam. "This system ensures that no officials can manipulate the tanker water supply to residents, safeguarding essential resources," an official elaborated.
The combined efforts, backed by a total investment of Rs 60 crore, represent a robust digital transformation in Rajasthan's water management, aiming to set a new standard for integrity and efficiency in public projects.
