Jammu, Aug 7 : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said Artificial Intelligence (AI) should be used to improve people’s lives rather than remain limited to research, asserting that technology must strengthen governance, public services and economic opportunities.

Launching the J&K Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence and dedicating Project Phoenix at IIT Jammu, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the AI has the potential to transform governance and bridge the gap between technology and citizens. “Artificial Intelligence must ultimately translate into better outcomes for people. The Centre of Excellence will help us build more efficient, responsive and citizen-centric governance, while Project Phoenix will create new opportunities for artisans, self-help groups, startups and MSMEs to access wider markets,” he said.
The Chief Minister said AI should be deployed in healthcare, education, agriculture and disaster management to improve service delivery and support informed decision-making.
Referring to the recent cloudbursts in Rajouri and Poonch, Omar said AI-enabled early warning systems could help identify localised risks and save lives through timely alerts.
He also said the technology could assist farmers and horticulturists by providing timely information on crop diseases, treatment methods and the scientific use of agrochemicals.
CM Omar said Project Phoenix would complement the government's Mission YUVA initiative by improving market access, mentorship and incubation support for startups and local enterprises while strengthening the innovation ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.