Across recent policy and governance initiatives, West Bengal has gradually incorporated artificial intelligence into sectors such as policing, healthcare, education, and social welfare administration. Rather than relying solely on isolated pilot projects, the state has introduced AI through broader digital governance reforms and technology-promotion frameworks aimed at strengthening public service delivery and administrative efficiency.

The policy foundation for AI adoption in the state was established in 2020, when the Government of West Bengal released the West Bengal AI–ML Technology Promotion Guidelines. These guidelines were designed to promote the development of an artificial intelligence and machine learning ecosystem while encouraging the adoption of AI-driven technologies across governance, research, and industry sectors.

Artificial intelligence also began entering the education sector in 2024, when the West Bengal Council of Higher Secondary Education proposed the introduction of a new higher secondary subject titled “Applied Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security.” The initiative aims to strengthen foundational knowledge in emerging technologies and prepare students for future digital and technology-driven careers.

The year 2025 marked a wider expansion of AI initiatives within governance and public administration. In policing and law enforcement, West Bengal Police announced the establishment of a dedicated Artificial Intelligence Cell at Bhawani Bhawan. The proposed AI Cell is intended to integrate artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into policing systems to improve transparency, operational efficiency, and investigative capabilities.

Artificial intelligence has also been introduced into social welfare administration. In 2025, the state government announced plans to deploy AI systems within the Kanyashree scheme to identify errors in application forms, bank details, and beneficiary records, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of welfare disbursement.

The healthcare sector has similarly witnessed the introduction of AI-driven initiatives. In 2025, the Health Department began developing an AI-powered breast cancer screening application designed to support frontline healthcare workers, including ASHA workers, in identifying potential breast cancer cases through data collection, risk assessment, and real-time analytics.

Overall, West Bengal’s approach to artificial intelligence reflects a governance-focused strategy centred on digital public services, education reforms, healthcare innovation, and technology-enabled welfare administration.

AI Initiatives in West Bengal