Govt Is Focusing On Leveraging AI For Governance And Development, Says Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal – News18

Last Updated:January 17, 2025, 20:39 IST

Jindal Global Law School launched India’s first AI and Law undergraduate program, focusing on AI’s societal and legal impact.

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Friday expressed that India is in the early stages of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into governance and development. While acknowledging existing concerns, he emphasized the government’s focus on exploring AI’s potential to enhance these areas, which was the central theme of today’s discussion.

At the Jindal Global Law School’s launch event for India’s first-ever undergraduate program for Artificial Intelligence in Law, Meghwal said “We are at the initial stage and we are aware that concerns exist. However, our focus is on exploring how we can leverage AI for governance and development, which was the topic of discussion in today’s session.”

In a significant move, Jindal Global Law School (JGLS), OP Jindal Global University (JGU), launched India’s first-ever undergraduate program in “Artificial Intelligence and Law.” The program was launched in the presence of notable dignitaries, including Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Justice, Justice Dipankar Dutta, Judge of the Supreme Court of India, Venkataramani, Attorney General for India, Tushar Mehta, Solicitor General of India, and Dr Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court of India.

The new program focuses on the societal role of AI, with a strong emphasis on “law and society.” Its interdisciplinary approach incorporates elements of social engineering, aiming to teach students how technology influences human social relations and societal outcomes. The curriculum also introduces students to the basics of AI applications, helping them understand algorithmic functions, the range of technologies, their benefits, drawbacks, and the operational dynamics of AI systems.

Prof. (Dr.) C. Raj Kumar, Founding Vice Chancellor of O.P. Jindal Global University, stated that the goal of the program is not only to raise awareness about AI but to provide students with a structured understanding of how AI fits into societal contexts, its regulation, and its social impact. He emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the program, which equips students with both knowledge and practical skills to assess AI’s social and legal impact.