12 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

5 min

Polity & GovernanceEconomyScience & TechnologyNEWS

Haryana's AI Portal Receives 11,000 Budget Suggestions from Citizens

Haryana government receives over 11,000 budget suggestions via its AI-based portal.

The Haryana government’s Voice Feedback Portal has received over 11,000 suggestions from citizens across the State for the budget slated to be presented later this month. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had launched the Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based initiative on January 6 to invite suggestions from citizens with the objective of making the State budget for 2026-27 a “People’s Budget”. It marks the first ever use of AI in such a manner within India’s administrative and democratic framework, the government claimed.

Suggestions concerning local self-governance or municipalities and panchayats topped the list at 750, followed by 450 on infrastructure development, and 200 on education, skill development, and employment. All suggestions were collected and analysed by the Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management. Over 2,000 shortlisted suggestions were sent to the heads of various government departments and their final proposals will be presented to the Chief Minister for inclusion in the budget, he said.

Key Facts

The Haryana government's Voice Feedback Portal received over 11,000 suggestions from citizens.

The AI-based initiative was launched on January 6.

The objective is to make the State budget for 2026-27 a “People’s Budget”.

Suggestions concerning local self-governance topped the list at 750.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International relations.

Connects to syllabus topics like citizen charters, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential.

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical, and critical evaluation.

Visual Insights

Haryana AI Budget Suggestions - Key Numbers

Key statistics from the Haryana government's AI-based budget suggestion initiative.

Total Budget Suggestions Received: 11,000+
Suggestions on Local Self-Governance: 750
Suggestions on Infrastructure Development: 450
Suggestions on Education, Skill Development, and Employment: 200

More Information

Background

The concept of citizen participation in governance has evolved significantly over time. Historically, decisions were often made by rulers or elites without much input from the general public. However, the rise of democracy has emphasized the importance of citizen involvement in shaping policies and budgets. This evolution is linked to the broader concept of good governance, which emphasizes transparency, accountability, and responsiveness. In India, the idea of participatory governance is enshrined in the Constitution through provisions for local self-government and the promotion of social and economic justice. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, which introduced Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipalities, aimed to decentralize power and bring decision-making closer to the people. These amendments also sought to promote citizen participation in local governance through mechanisms like Gram Sabhas and Ward Committees. The use of technology to facilitate citizen engagement is a relatively recent development. Initiatives like e-governance and digital platforms have made it easier for citizens to provide feedback and suggestions to the government. The Haryana government's AI-based Voice Feedback Portal is an example of how technology can be used to enhance citizen participation in the budget-making process. This aligns with the broader goal of promoting citizen-centric governance and ensuring that government policies are responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people.

Latest Developments

Several states in India have been experimenting with different approaches to citizen engagement in governance. Some states have launched online portals and mobile apps to solicit feedback from citizens on various government programs and policies. Others have organized public consultations and town hall meetings to gather input from stakeholders. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the importance of citizen participation in promoting good governance and ensuring that government policies are responsive to the needs of the people.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance is a relatively new area, but it has the potential to transform the way governments operate. AI can be used to analyze large amounts of data, identify trends and patterns, and provide insights that can inform policy decisions. It can also be used to automate routine tasks, improve efficiency, and enhance citizen services. However, the use of AI in governance also raises important ethical and legal considerations, such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and accountability.

Looking ahead, it is likely that we will see increased use of technology to facilitate citizen engagement and improve governance. This could include the development of more sophisticated AI-powered tools, the expansion of e-governance platforms, and the use of social media to engage with citizens. However, it is important to ensure that these technologies are used in a way that is transparent, accountable, and inclusive, and that they do not exacerbate existing inequalities or create new ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main objective of Haryana government's AI-based Voice Feedback Portal?

The primary objective is to gather suggestions from citizens to create a “People’s Budget” for the state for the year 2026-27. This initiative aims to enhance citizen participation in the budget-making process.

Exam Tip

Remember the year 2026-27, as it is the target year for the 'People's Budget'.

2. What kind of suggestions topped the list received through the AI portal?

Suggestions related to local self-governance or municipalities and panchayats topped the list, accounting for 750 suggestions.

Exam Tip

Focus on the sector with the highest number of suggestions - local self-governance.

3. What is the significance of using AI in Haryana's budget suggestion process?

According to the Haryana government, this marks the first-ever use of AI in such a manner within India’s administrative and democratic framework. It signifies a step towards modernizing governance and increasing citizen engagement through technology.

4. How does this initiative reflect the concept of participatory governance?

This initiative exemplifies participatory governance by actively involving citizens in the budget formulation process. It allows the government to consider public opinion and preferences, leading to a more inclusive and responsive budget.

5. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of using AI for citizen feedback in governance?

Potential benefits include increased efficiency in data collection and analysis, broader citizen reach, and data-driven decision-making. Drawbacks may include concerns about data privacy, digital divide limiting access for some citizens, and potential biases in AI algorithms.

6. Why is Haryana's AI-based budget suggestion initiative in the news recently?

The initiative is in the news because the Haryana government successfully collected over 11,000 suggestions from citizens through the Voice Feedback Portal. This highlights the government's effort to create a 'People's Budget' and promote citizen engagement.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Haryana government's Voice Feedback Portal: 1. It was launched with the objective of making the State budget for 2026-27 a “People’s Budget”. 2. The portal utilizes Artificial Intelligence (AI) to collect and analyze citizen suggestions. 3. The Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management is responsible for analyzing the collected suggestions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. The Haryana government launched the AI-based Voice Feedback Portal on January 6 with the objective of making the State budget for 2026-27 a “People’s Budget”. The portal uses AI to collect and analyze citizen suggestions. The Swarna Jayanti Haryana Institute for Fiscal Management is responsible for analyzing the collected suggestions and shortlisting them for consideration in the budget.

2. Which of the following sectors received the highest number of suggestions through Haryana's AI-based Voice Feedback Portal?

A.Infrastructure Development
B.Education, Skill Development, and Employment
C.Local Self-Governance or Municipalities and Panchayats
D.Healthcare and Social Welfare

Show Answer

Answer: C

3. Consider the following statements regarding the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in India: 1. The 73rd Amendment pertains to Municipalities, while the 74th Amendment pertains to Panchayati Raj Institutions. 2. These amendments aimed to decentralize power and bring decision-making closer to the people. 3. These amendments mandate the use of AI in local governance for citizen feedback. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 2 is correct. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments aimed to decentralize power and bring decision-making closer to the people by establishing Panchayati Raj Institutions and Municipalities. Statement 1 is incorrect as the 73rd Amendment pertains to Panchayati Raj Institutions and the 74th Amendment pertains to Municipalities. Statement 3 is incorrect as these amendments do not mandate the use of AI.