Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Delhi Government Partners With EkStep To Prepare Data For AI
The Delhi government has teamed up with EkStep Foundation to organize its information so computers using AI can work with it more effectively.
The agreement is meant to help the government make better decisions.
It could also help officials provide services before people have to ask for them.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said government data systems need to connect with one another.
She said AI should help ordinary people, especially those who need services most.
A toolkit called Data DHARA was introduced to help departments prepare their data.
The partnership may help identify people who qualify for government schemes.
It may also make it easier for people to receive benefits and services.
The Delhi government signed an MoU with EkStep Foundation to make administrative data AI-ready.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said interconnected data systems are needed to ensure AI benefits ordinary citizens.
The partnership aims to support evidence-based decisions and more proactive public service delivery.
The Data DHARA toolkit and vision paper were launched as an open-source methodology for preparing data for AI.
Potential applications include improving access to Matru Vandana and Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya schemes and identifying eligible beneficiaries.
- Who
- The Delhi government, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and EkStep Foundation.
- What
- They signed an MoU to make Delhi government administrative data ready for AI use and improve public services.
- When
- The agreement and workshop were reported as taking place on Tuesday; no specific date was provided.
- Where
- Delhi, at a workshop attended by Delhi government officials.
- Why
- To strengthen evidence-based decision-making, enable proactive services, and improve access to government schemes.
- Government partner
- EkStep Foundation will serve as a knowledge partner to the Delhi government.
- Agreement
- The MoU was signed with the Delhi government’s Planning department.
- Data initiative
- Data DHARA stands for Data Harnessed for AI-Ready Advancements.
- Methodology
- Data DHARA is an open-source methodology based on digital public infrastructure.
- Primary goal
- Organize and improve the reliability of administrative data for AI use.
- Potential applications
- The initiative may support Matru Vandana, Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya, and schemes for construction workers.
- Workshop participants
- Delhi government secretaries, department heads, and senior officials attended the workshop.