Chief Minister’s Principal Advisor for Information Technology and Innovation, Gokul Butail, delivered the keynote address at the Urban Innovation Summit in Chandigarh, inaugurated by the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria. The Governor lauded Himachal Pradesh’s progress in technology-driven governance, urging other states to study its data-driven model as a benchmark for effective administration.
Addressing the summit, Butail said that innovation is vital for sustainable urban development, and Himachal’s urban centres are steadily evolving into AI-enabled smart cities while preserving the mountain ecosystem. He highlighted the Him Seva Portal, delivering over 550 citizen-centric services with AI support, and noted that Himachal Pradesh is the first state to notify a State Data Hosting Policy, enhancing data-driven governance.
Butail emphasized that tools like the Him Data Portal and AI-based document verification have streamlined processes, enabling faster verification and real-time feedback. Digital platforms such as Himsomsa, Parivar Register, and Panchayati Raj and Urban Development portals are saving the government over Rs. 60 crore annually. Citizen-focused services like Him Parivar and My Deed, the state’s fully paperless property registration system, further enhance convenience and transparency.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging technology and innovation to deliver efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly services, ensuring Himachal Pradesh remains at the forefront of smart, digital governance.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
