‘With AI, we are going to implement data-driven governance in Kerala’: CM V D Satheesan

KOCHI: Kerala Chief Minister V D Satheesan has said his government plans to harness Artificial Intelligence to introduce data-driven governance across the state, signalling a push to use emerging technology in public administration.

“With the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), we are going to implement data-driven governance in the state,” Satheesan said while delivering the closing address at the Manorama News Conclave 2026 in Kochi on Saturday.

The remarks reinforce the UDF government’s broader technology agenda. Satheesan had earlier said his administration was studying how AI tools could be incorporated into government operations and that personnel had been assigned to work on the transition towards a data-driven administration.

Kerala has also created a dedicated cabinet-level portfolio for Artificial Intelligence, reflecting the government’s stated ambition to integrate the technology with governance and innovation.

Satheesan used his Conclave address to outline a broader vision for the state’s next phase of development, describing the coming five years as an “era of change” and saying the welfare of Kerala would remain the government’s central objective even as its decisions came under scrutiny.

The Chief Minister also delivered a stark assessment of Kerala’s economy, saying the state’s growth had stagnated over the past 15 years despite its achievements in areas such as health and education.

He said Kerala faced serious financial challenges and warned that managing the state’s finances through compromises was not sustainable indefinitely.

“We have many challenges ahead, and Kerala’s financial position is poor. So far, everything has been managed through compromises, but this cannot continue indefinitely and will eventually collapse,” Satheesan said.

His comments come as the government attempts to balance development and welfare commitments against significant fiscal pressures. Kerala’s revised 2026-27 Budget estimates a revenue deficit of about ₹35,355 crore.

Satheesan also sought to strike a less confrontational tone towards New Delhi, saying the state Budget was “not the space to declare war against the Union government” when asked about differences with the Centre.

Turning to politics, the Chief Minister attributed the UDF’s electoral victory to what he described as Kerala voters’ high level of political awareness.

“Keralites are politically more aware than people from other states. So the UDF’s victory in this election can be attributed to their political awareness,” he said.