Mizoram hosts workshop to boost digital inclusivity

Aizawl: The Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), part of the ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY), in collaboration with Mizoram’s state information & communication technology (ICT) department, successfully conducted the BHASHINI Rajyam Workshop: Mizoram Chapter in Aizawl on Friday.The event was inaugurated by Vanlalthlana, the Hon’ble Minister of ICT, Mizoram, who served as the chief guest. The workshop represents a significant step towards integrating Mizoram’s diverse linguistic heritage into the national digital framework, in line with BHASHINI’s mission to remove language barriers and provide digital services in citizens' native languages.Mizoram, known for its linguistic diversity with languages such as Mizo (Lushai), Hmar, Lai (Pawi), Mara, Chakma, Paite, Bru, and Ralte, will now see a systematic data collection initiative. This follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on June 18, 2025, between the Government of Mizoram and DIBD. The initiative will involve community participation, citizen contributions, and institutional collaborations to develop AI-based language models, speech recognition systems, and multilingual digital applications.These tools are designed to enhance digital inclusivity and accessibility for the people of Mizoram. Minister Vanlalthlana expressed strong support for the BHASHINI App, emphasizing its potential to transform digital inclusivity across Mizo society. He encouraged citizens and government officials to become "digital warriors" by adopting AI-powered tools and innovations.Amit Sharma, secretary of the ICT department, highlighted that overcoming language barriers would significantly advance Mizoram’s digital development, bringing governance and digital services closer to the people. Amitabh Nag, CEO of the Digital India BHASHINI Division, presented the app’s development journey, its expected benefits, and the strategic roadmap ahead.The workshop also featured department-specific planning sessions to explore the adoption of BHASHINI technologies across various sectors. Capacity-building sessions were held to train state officials and technical teams in integrating AI tools into administrative workflows, ensuring improved service delivery, inclusivity, and operational efficiency.The event gathered senior policymakers, technologists, academia, and civil society representatives, marking a collaborative effort to enhance digital inclusivity in Mizoram.