Jharkhand has released its Draft Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026, outlining a roadmap to integrate AI across governance, public services and economic development while positioning the state as a destination for AI investment, research and innovation.
The draft policy was presented during the National Stakeholders' Consultation 2026 held in New Delhi, where the state government also showcased its broader Vision 2050 strategy for technology driven growth. The consultation brought together policymakers, technology companies, startups, investors and academic institutions to seek feedback before the policy is finalised.
The proposed policy lays out a five year framework aimed at building a comprehensive AI ecosystem in the state. According to the draft document, Jharkhand's vision is to become a trusted, inclusive and innovation driven AI enabled state where artificial intelligence supports governance, citizen welfare, economic productivity and sustainable development.
The policy focuses on six broad objectives. These include embedding AI into government planning and service delivery, creating common AI infrastructure for departments, strengthening data interoperability and governance, encouraging research and startup innovation, developing AI talent, and ensuring responsible AI deployment through principles such as transparency, accountability, privacy and security.
The state government has proposed an investment of approximately Rs 1,150 crore over the next five years to strengthen AI infrastructure, digital capabilities and innovation. As part of the plan, Jharkhand also intends to develop a 100.97 acre IT Park in Ranchi to attract technology companies and expand its digital economy.
Beyond government applications, the draft policy seeks to create an ecosystem that supports AI startups, academic research and industry partnerships. The roadmap also includes plans for skill development across government departments, educational institutions and the broader workforce to improve AI readiness and adoption.
The policy identifies several sectors where AI could play a larger role, including healthcare, agriculture, education, mining, public administration and social welfare. The government says these sectors offer opportunities to improve service delivery, optimise resource allocation and strengthen decision making through data driven systems.
Alongside the policy announcement, Jharkhand presented several proposed digital governance initiatives, including the Chief Minister's Data Intelligence Platform, the Health and Nutrition Vigilance System and the Critical Minerals Administration System. These initiatives are expected to form part of the state's broader AI enabled governance framework.
The state has also outlined long term ambitions under its Vision 2050 roadmap. These include attracting investments exceeding Rs 10,000 crore in the technology sector, establishing more than 50 Global Capability Centres, supporting over 1,000 AI startups and creating more than one lakh AI enabled employment opportunities.
The draft policy has been released for stakeholder consultation, with the government inviting inputs from industry, academia, startups and technology experts before issuing the final version. Officials have positioned the consultation process as an opportunity to refine the framework while aligning it with national responsible AI guidelines and evolving industry requirements.
The policy comes as Indian states increasingly formulate dedicated AI strategies to improve public services and attract technology investment. For Jharkhand, the proposed framework is intended to support digital governance while strengthening its position in India's growing AI ecosystem.