BHUBANESWAR: In a move aimed at ensuring swift investigation of corruption cases, the Vigilance Directorate has set up a dedicated artificial intelligence (AI) cell at its headquarters in Cuttack.
The cell, which became functional around a month back, has been provided with eight cyber experts who will also monitor AI teams operating at the divisional level.
“A special AI Cell has been set up at the directorate and AI teams formed at eight divisional levels to leverage technology for tasks like financial analysis/profiling of individuals under our scanner and examining voluminous documents and digital records,” said Vigilance director YK Jethwa.
The cell at the directorate and the teams at the divisional levels will carry out AI-based assessments of leakages, track digital footprints, examine forensics, conduct data analysis and simplify documentation, among others, he added.
Vigilance has planned to collaborate with Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC), National Informatics Centre (NIC), IIT-Bhubaneswar and various IT companies to devise and utilise advanced AI technology to enhance proficiency, competence and outcomes of the anti-corruption cases.
On the day, the directorate organised a workshop at the State Vigilance Academy here to train Vigilance officers and prosecutors on usage of AI in corruption cases.
Emphasising the importance of using AI tools to combat corruption, Jethwa said, “Corruption is not merely a financial crime, it indicates governance deficit that corrodes public trust, weakens institutions and denies citizens fair access to opportunity. The investigators and prosecutors need to stay ahead of those who exploit complexity, and AI gives them that edge if used ethically and wisely.”
Vigilance officers said the AI cell has advanced tools, but they will keep upgrading the technology in the coming days to handle cases of corruption in a more efficient manner. Senior officials of OCAC, IIT-Bhubaneswar and others were present.