Dipak Kurmi
(The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
In an era where technology reshapes the contours of human interaction, the Assam government has embarked on a groundbreaking journey to redefine governance communication. On May 14, 2025, Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma unveiled “Ankita”, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered virtual news presenter, heralding a new chapter in India’s digital revolution. This initiative, christened Assam’s New-age Knowledge-based Information Technology Anchor (ANKITA), seamlessly blends traditional Assamese identity with cutting-edge technology to deliver cabinet meeting updates with unprecedented clarity and accessibility. Ankita’s debut, marked by her fluent Assamese narration of key government decisions, represents not just a technological triumph but a bold step toward transparent and engaging governance. As Assam pioneers this fusion of AI and public communication, Ankita’s launch sparks both admiration and debate, reflecting the transformative potential and challenges of integrating advanced technology into the fabric of governance.
Ankita’s introduction, announced by Chief Minister Sarma on the social media platform X, captivated audiences with its innovative approach. “Meet Ankita, our AI anchor who brings to you the latest updates on the recent #AssamCabinet meeting,” Sarma posted, sharing a video where Ankita, with lifelike facial expressions and a confident Assamese voice, detailed significant cabinet decisions. These included renaming Dibrugarh Airport after cultural icon Bhupen Hazarika and approving a one-time financial grant for tea garden workers, decisions delivered with a poise that rivalled seasoned human presenters. The clarity and expressiveness of Ankita’s delivery, underpinned by advanced machine learning and natural language processing (NLP) technologies, left viewers marvelling at her near-human realism. Her fluent Assamese, complete with precise pronunciation and tonal modulation, resonated deeply with local audiences, aligning with the state’s April 2025 mandate to make Assamese compulsory in official communications. This linguistic fidelity not only enhances accessibility but also reinforces Assam’s cultural identity, making Ankita a symbol of both technological and cultural advancement.
The Assam government’s adoption of Ankita reflects a strategic vision to harness AI for governance, ensuring that critical information reaches citizens swiftly and accurately. In an age where digital media dominates, the need for rapid, reliable dissemination of government policies is paramount. Ankita addresses this by presenting complex cabinet decisions in a clear, concise, and engaging manner, eliminating the delays and potential biases associated with traditional media. Her role is not merely performative; it embodies a commitment to transparency, enabling citizens to stay informed about policies that directly impact their lives. By delivering updates in Assamese, Ankita bridges the gap between the government and its people, particularly in rural areas where local language communication is vital. This initiative dovetails with Assam’s broader digital transformation agenda, evident in earlier projects like the AI-based teacher “Iris” introduced at Royal Global School in Guwahati in 2024, which facilitated interactive learning, and plans announced in the 2025-26 budget for AI and blockchain-based tea auction systems.
While the government has not disclosed the precise technological framework behind Ankita, her creation likely involves sophisticated machine learning algorithms, NLP, and facial animation technologies. These enable her to mimic human-like expressions and voice modulation, ensuring that her presentations are not only informative but also captivating. The integration of such technologies allows Ankita to adapt her delivery to the nuances of Assamese, a language rich in cultural significance but complex in its phonetic and tonal variations. This technical prowess ensures that her announcements are accessible to a broad audience, from urban youth to rural communities, fostering a sense of inclusion. The government’s emphasis on Assamese also aligns with its cultural preservation efforts, positioning Ankita as a tool for both governance and linguistic heritage.
Ankita’s launch builds on Assam’s growing reputation as a hub for technological innovation. The state’s earlier foray into AI with Iris demonstrated its willingness to embrace cutting-edge tools for public benefit. Iris, designed to enhance classroom learning, set a precedent for AI’s potential in public services, a legacy Ankita extends into governance communication. Similarly, the national broadcaster Doordarshan Kisan’s introduction of AI anchors “Krish” and “Bhumi” in May 2024 to deliver round-the-clock agricultural news provided a template for Ankita’s role. However, Ankita’s direct linkage to governance communication marks a pioneering step, distinguishing her from predecessors by embedding AI within the core of administrative outreach. This initiative positions Assam as a trailblazer, potentially inspiring other Indian states to adopt similar technologies to enhance public engagement.
Public reaction to Ankita has been a blend of enthusiasm and apprehension. The younger, tech-savvy generation has embraced her as a symbol of modernity, with social media platforms buzzing with praise for her seamless delivery and the government’s forward-thinking approach. Posts on X lauded Ankita’s ability to make governance “fast, accurate, and always on”, reflecting excitement about Assam’s digital leap. Yet, concerns have emerged about the implications for human news presenters, with critics arguing that AI anchors could diminish job opportunities in the media sector. The government has been quick to clarify that Ankita’s purpose is not to replace human presenters but to complement them, offering a novel channel for information dissemination. This reassurance seeks to balance innovation with employment concerns, acknowledging the broader societal implications of AI adoption.
Ankita’s debut also underscores Assam’s commitment to digital governance, a priority under Chief Minister Dr Sarma’s leadership. The state’s investment in AI extends beyond communication to sectors like education and agriculture, as seen in the proposed AI-driven tea auction systems. These initiatives reflect a broader vision to position Assam as a technology leader, leveraging digital tools to enhance efficiency and accessibility. Ankita’s role in presenting cabinet updates, such as the financial assistance for tea garden workers—a critical demographic in Assam’s economy—demonstrates how technology can amplify the impact of policy announcements. By making such decisions more accessible, Ankita fosters greater public trust and participation, aligning with the government’s goal of inclusive governance.
The global context of AI in media provides further perspective on Ankita’s significance. Worldwide, AI news anchors are transforming news consumption, with countries like China and South Korea deploying similar technologies. In India, the rapid adoption of AI presenters, from Doordarshan’s Krish and Bhumi to Assam’s Ankita, signals a shift toward tech-driven communication. This trend raises questions about the future of journalism, with debates centering on authenticity, employment, and the ethical use of AI. In Assam, Ankita’s integration into governance communication sidesteps some of these concerns by focusing on official updates rather than replacing traditional journalism, but the broader implications remain a topic of discussion.
Looking ahead, Ankita’s launch paves the way for further innovations in Assam’s governance framework. The Chief Minister’s hint at “exciting AI policy interventions” suggests that Ankita is merely the beginning of a broader digital strategy. Potential applications could include real-time policy feedback systems, multilingual AI presenters to cater to Assam’s diverse linguistic communities, or even AI-driven public service chatbots. These advancements could further democratize access to information, particularly for marginalized groups. Moreover, Ankita’s role in promoting the Assamese language positions her as a cultural ambassador, reinforcing the state’s commitment to preserving its heritage while embracing modernity.
Ankita represents a confluence of technology, culture, and governance, embodying Assam’s ambition to lead India’s digital transformation. Her ability to deliver cabinet updates with clarity and cultural resonance marks a significant milestone in making governance accessible and engaging. While challenges like employment concerns linger, the government’s proactive stance and Ankita’s focused role in official communication mitigate these issues. As Assam continues to innovate, Ankita stands as a testament to the power of AI to bridge the gap between government and citizen, heralding a future where technology and tradition coexist to foster a more transparent and inclusive society.