Cities in Himachal Pradesh are steadily transforming into technology-driven urban centres powered by Artificial Intelligence and data-led governance, said Gokul Butail, Principal Advisor to the Chief Minister on Information Technology and Innovation, while delivering the keynote address at the Urban Innovation Summit held in Chandigarh.
The summit was inaugurated by Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of the Chandigarh Union Territory. During his address, the Governor praised Himachal Pradesh for its rapid strides in technology-enabled governance and encouraged other states to examine the state’s data-driven administrative model as a benchmark for efficient and transparent public service delivery.
Addressing policymakers, administrators and technology experts at the summit, Butail said that innovation has become an essential pillar for sustainable urban development. He emphasized that while the state’s cities are embracing digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence, the government is also ensuring that technological expansion remains aligned with the fragile mountain ecosystem of Himachal Pradesh.
Highlighting the state’s growing digital infrastructure, Butail said that the Him Seva Portal is currently providing more than 550 citizen-centric services through an integrated system supported by Artificial Intelligence. These services have significantly simplified government procedures and improved accessibility for residents across the state.
He also pointed out that Himachal Pradesh has become the first state in India to formally notify a comprehensive State Data Hosting Policy. According to him, the policy aims to strengthen structured data management and support evidence-based governance, enabling the government to make informed policy decisions and improve administrative planning.
Butail further explained that digital platforms such as the Him Data Portal and an AI-based document verification system have enhanced efficiency in government processes. These systems allow faster verification of documents and provide real-time responses to citizens, thereby reducing delays and improving transparency.
He added that several digital governance initiatives are also contributing to financial savings for the state. Platforms such as Himsomsa, the Parivar Register and digital systems supporting Panchayati Raj and Urban Development departments are collectively helping the government save more than ₹60 crore annually through improved efficiency and reduced administrative costs.
Highlighting citizen-focused digital reforms, Butail referred to initiatives like Him Parivar and My Deed. Through the My Deed platform, Himachal Pradesh has introduced a fully paperless property registration system, allowing citizens to complete property transactions online without relying on intermediaries, thereby making the process faster, transparent and more convenient.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to digital governance, Butail said that technology and innovation are being used as key tools to build a transparent, efficient and citizen-centric administrative system. He added that the government will continue to expand digital services and smart governance initiatives to ensure that residents of Himachal Pradesh receive modern, accessible and high-quality public services.
The Urban Innovation Summit brought together policymakers, technology experts and governance leaders to discuss the role of emerging technologies in shaping future-ready cities, with Himachal Pradesh increasingly being viewed as a progressive model for AI-enabled governance in India’s hill states.
