Jaipur, July 2 (AHN) The 29th National e-Governance Conference (NeGC) concluded successfully on Thursday with Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh, urging the governments to focus not only on adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) but also on using it intelligently to strengthen governance.

Addressing the valedictory session and National e-Governance Awards 2026 ceremony at the Rajasthan International Centre (RIC), MoS Singh congratulated the organisers and said the active participation of all states and Union Territories had made the conference more comprehensive and impactful.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre has adopted a futuristic approach to governance, continuously leveraging emerging technologies to improve transparency, efficiency and public service delivery.

MoS Singh noted that the repeal of obsolete laws has significantly simplified administrative processes and made governance more transparent and effective.

Referring to initiatives such as Mission Karmayogi and Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), the MoS said India's governance reforms have gained international recognition, with countries including Mauritius, the Maldives, Sri Lanka and South Africa adopting several Indian e-governance and administrative innovations.

Highlighting Rajasthan's progress in digital governance, MoS Singh added that the state has emerged as a leader in implementing e-governance initiatives.

He also said that Rajasthan remains one of the most preferred cadres among Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers.

Speaking on the role of Artificial Intelligence in governance, MoS Singh said AI is no longer optional but an essential component of modern administration.

"The challenge is not merely adopting AI but using it wisely. Human intervention will continue to remain crucial alongside technological advancement," he added.

He urged state governments to establish short-term, measurable milestones instead of focusing solely on the long-term vision of India@2047.

Pointing to the rapid pace of technological change, the MoS cited examples such as VCRs and STD booths that became obsolete within two decades and questioned how administrative roles would evolve by 2047 in an increasingly digital governance ecosystem.

Rajasthan Information Technology and Communication Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said that while the world is discussing AI, India is moving towards "responsible and inclusive AI" under Prime Minister Modi's leadership. '

He added that technology should not remain limited to innovation alone but must ensure that its benefits reach every section of society.

Describing the conference as the beginning of a transformative journey, Minister Rathore said it had provided a roadmap for making governance more efficient, transparent and citizen-centric through technology.

"The suggestions, experiences and innovations shared by experts during the conference will be studied in detail, and useful models will be implemented as pilot projects across different districts of Rajasthan," he added.

He said that the conference marked the beginning of implementation rather than its conclusion.

Thanking all participating organisations, Minister Rathore expressed confidence that Rajasthan would continue to lead the country in technology-driven governance and digital security.

Chief Secretary V. Srinivas said e-governance has evolved beyond simply managing systems and has become a means of "managing possibilities", echoing Prime Minister Modi's vision.

He added that the two-day conference would significantly benefit Rajasthan's governance ecosystem.

Around 200 experts and speakers shared experiences, innovations and best practices in digital governance during the conference.

Nearly 100 digital platforms and technology solutions were also showcased, giving participants exposure to the latest technological advancements and governance models.

Srinivas said the conference aimed to bridge the gap between governments and citizens through technology, promoting digital empowerment while building a governance system that is transparent, accountable and responsive.

Earlier, welcoming delegates, Nivedita Shukla Verma, Union Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances Secretary, said this year's National e-Governance Awards received nominations from nearly 1.65 lakh Gram Panchayats, reflecting how innovation has spread beyond traditional centres of excellence to rural India.

She added that the National e-Governance Awards represent far more than recognition of successful projects -- they showcase a nationwide movement towards technology-enabled, citizen-centric governance.

During the valedictory ceremony, the National e-Governance Awards 2026 were presented to outstanding initiatives in digital governance, and the Jaipur Declaration was formally released, outlining the conference's key recommendations and future roadmap for technology-enabled governance in India.