Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh inaugurates National Workshop on AI-Driven Financial Empowerment for Mizoram

Mizoram Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh, who is also the Chief Rector of Mizoram University (MZU), today inaugurated the two-day ‘National Workshop on AI-Driven Financial Empowerment for Mizoram’ at the MZU Auditorium. The workshop is jointly organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, Mizoram University and the Innovation and Bio-Inspired Technology Foundation (IBITF), IIT Bhilai. On this occasion, the Governor also released a booklet highlighting various projects and initiatives supporting entrepreneurship under the DST’s Tribal Area Sub Plan Scheme.In his inaugural address, Governor General (Dr) Vijay Kumar Singh (Retd) expressed appreciation for the workshop, which aims to enhance understanding and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for financial empowerment. He acknowledged IIT Bhilai’s role in implementing 36 AI-driven financial technology projects across the North Eastern Region under the Tribal Area Sub Plan Scheme. Of these, 11 projects -six from Mizoram University and five from NIT Mizoram, are currently underway in the state. He emphasized the potential of AI to bring financial services to remote areas and highlighted the importance of equipping professionals with the skills to apply AI effectively for the public good. He also noted that the dedication and clarity of project investigators and co-investigators are vital for ensuring the benefits of these initiatives reach the common people, creating employment opportunities and enhancing livelihoods.

The Governor stressed the transformative power of AI, particularly in areas where conventional solutions have fallen short. He stated that AI-driven financial tools are instrumental in promoting financial inclusion and literacy, not only for entrepreneurs, farmers, and youth but also for the general population. He underscored the need for digitization and its efficient implementation, stating that it plays a crucial role in fostering economic resilience and empowerment. He further lauded the central government’s efforts under the Tribal Area Sub Plan Scheme, calling it a significant initiative for technological advancement and sustainable development in tribal regions. He expressed confidence in the success of the 11 ongoing projects in Mizoram, believing they would drive meaningful change and progress in the state. The report notes that under the DST’s supervision, the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) has funded the establishment of a Technology Innovation Hub (TIH) at IIT Bhilai. Currently, IIT Bhilai is implementing six financial technology projects for Mizoram University and five for NIT Mizoram.

During the inaugural programme, a key project from NIT Mizoram titled Economic Optimization Platform for Public Transport System for Mizoram was showcased. Led by Dr. Lalhruaizela, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering and Co-Principal Investigators -Dr. Sandeep K Das, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering; Dr. K. Vanlalawmpuia, Assistant Professor, ECE Department and Ms. Esther Lalremruati, Scientist, MIRSAC, the project involves the development of a mobile application. This app, in collaboration with the Transport Department, is aimed at enabling online booking for taxis and autorickshaws across Mizoram. The workshop’s opening ceremony featured a welcome address by Prof. Ajoy Kumar Khan, Department of Computer Engineering, MZU, who is also the Workshop Coordinator. Distinguished guests and speakers included Prof. Dibakar Chandra Deka, Vice Chancellor of MZU; Mr. Amit Sharma, IAS, Secretary of ICT Department; Mr. Lalrammawia, Director of the Transport Department; Prof. Pravakar Rath, Pro Vice Chancellor of MZU; Prof. Santosh Biswas, PD & Dean (R&D), IIT Bhilai; and Mr. Vishnu Vaibhav Dwivedi, Chief Technical Officer of IBITF, IIT Bhilai. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. R. Chawngsangpuii, Associate Professor, Department of Information Technology, MZU.