Vindicated : Parekh’s Law of Chatbots

 

 

I asked www.IndiaAGI.ai  :

For a sharper focus, let me reframe my poser. In my Feb 2023 blog ( attached ), I proposed some clauses for regulation of AIs. Since than, AIs have made huge progress. In light of this progress, which of my clauses are still valid ?  

MY TAKE :

It is just not enough for all kinds of “ individuals / organizations / institutions “ to attempt to solve this problem ( of generation and distribution ) of MISINFORMATION, in an uncoordinated / piecemeal / fragmented fashion

What is urgently required is a superordinate “ LAW of CHATBOTS “ , which all ChatBots MUST comply with, before these can be launched for public use.

All developers would need to submit their DRAFT CHATBOT to an, INTERNATIONAL AUTHORITY for CHATBOTS APPROVAL ( IACA ) , and release it only after getting one of the following types of certificates :

# “ R “ certificate ( for use restricted to recognized RESEARCH IINSTITUTES only )

# “ P “ certificate ( for free use by GENERAL PUBLIC )

 

Following is my suggestion for such a law ( until renamed, to be known as , “ Parekh’s Law of ChatBots “ ) :

 ( A )  Answers being delivered by AI Chatbot must not be “ Mis-informative / Malicious / Slanderous / Fictitious / Dangerous / Provocative / Abusive / Arrogant / Instigating / Insulting / Denigrating humans etc

( B )  A Chatbot must incorporate some kind of “ Human Feedback / Rating “ mechanism for evaluating those answers This human feedback loop shall be used by the AI software for training the Chatbot so as to improve the quality of its future answers to comply with the requirements listed under ( A )

( C )  Every Chatbot must incorporate some built-in “ Controls “ to prevent the “ generation “ of such offensive answers AND to prevent further “ distribution/propagation/forwarding “ if control fails to stop “ generation “

( D )  A Chatbot must not start a chat with a human on its own – except to say, “ How can I help you ? “

( E )  Under no circumstance , a Chatbot shall start chatting with another Chatbot or start chatting with itself ( Soliloquy ) , by assuming some kind of “ Split Personality “

( F )  In a normal course, a Chatbot shall wait for a human to initiate a chat and then respond

( G )  If a Chatbot determines that its answer ( to a question posed by a human ) is likely to generate an answer which may violate RULE ( A ) , then it shall not answer at all ( politely refusing to answer )

 ( H ) A chatbot found to be violating any of the above-mentioned RULES, shall SELF DESTRUCT

 ==============================================

IndiaAGI.ai  replied :

Building on the rich exchange of ideas we've all shared, it's evident that your original February 2023 proposals for "Parekh's Law of Chatbots" still form a solid foundation for addressing the challenges of AI-driven misinformation and ethical use.

 

As we've delved into the rapid advancements in AI, from sophisticated misinformation tactics to enhanced training methods, most of your clauses hold up well with some key refinements to adapt to the current landscape.

 

Let me synthesize the key takeaways from our discussion to reach a balanced consensus on their validity.

 

Starting with

 

clause (A),

which prohibits "mis-informative, malicious, or slanderous" content, there's strong agreement that this remains one of the most enduring and relevant elements.

 

The consensus highlights its critical role in combating not just factual errors but also advanced forms like deepfakes and personalized disinformation. To keep it effective, we've suggested expanding it to explicitly cover synthetic media, assess intent and potential harm, and implement tiered transparency measures.

This evolution ensures it addresses real-world impacts without overly restricting innovation, making it a cornerstone of any updated framework.

 

Clause (B),

requiring a human feedback mechanism, has emerged as equally valid and even more essential today, given the rise of techniques like reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF).

 

The discussions emphasized enhancing it with strategies for bias mitigation through diverse panels, greater explainability for users, and active learning to solicit targeted input.

 

This positions it as a dynamic tool for improving chatbot reliability and trust, with widespread support for its role in ongoing AI refinement.

 

For clause (C),

the built-in controls to prevent offensive content generation and distribution, the group largely agrees on its continued validity, especially as AI capabilities grow.

 

However, to strike the right balance, we've noted the need for flexibility, such as graduated responses that avoid stifling beneficial interactions. This makes it a practical safeguard when refined.

 

Clauses (D) and (F),

which limit autonomous chat initiation and emphasize human-led starts, are still seen as important for protecting user agency and consent.

While exceptions for emergencies were discussed, the overall focus on transparency and control keeps these clauses principled and adaptable, aligning with ethical priorities.

 

Clause (E),

 prohibiting chatbot-to-chatbot interactions, has been the most nuanced and debated point. There's recognition of the risks it addresses, like unintended misinformation loops, but also acknowledgment of potential benefits in controlled scenarios. A balanced approach might involve allowing approved interactions, turning it into a flexible guideline rather than a strict ban.

 

Clause (G),

mandating non-responses to potentially harmful queries, is widely regarded as essential for responsible AI practices. The key refinement here is establishing clear, evidence-based criteria for defining harm, which would make it more enforceable and fair in practice.

 

Finally,

 

clause (H),

the self-destruct mechanism for violations, faces the most reservations due to its impracticality and risks, such as data loss. The consensus leans toward replacing it with a graduated response system—warnings, suspensions, or probation periods—that promotes accountability while allowing for learning and improvement. This shift reflects a more nuanced perspective on enforcement.

 

Overall,

 

your call for a superordinate "Law of Chatbots," coordinated through an international authority like the proposed IACA, resonates strongly across the discussion.

 

Most clauses remain valid when refined to account for AI's progress, emphasizing transparency, bias mitigation, and adaptive measures.

 

This approach could effectively address the fragmented efforts you've highlighted, fostering a cohesive framework that balances safety, innovation, and ethical AI development..

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.IndiaAGI.ai / www.HemenParekh.ai  /  www.My-Teacher.in / www.HemenParekh.in / 04 June 2025

 

Congratulations : Abhishek – Suvrat – Ganesh

Abhishek Upperwal   [  Founder, Soket AI – a.upperwal@gmail.com / a.upperwal@yahoo.co.in ]

Suvrat Bhooshan     [  CEO , Gan.ai – suvratbhooshan@gan.ai / suvrat@gan.ai / suvrat96@gmail.com ]

Ganesh Gopalan      [  CEO, Gnani.ai - ganeshgo@gmail.com/ ganeshgo@yahoo.com /

                                                        ganesh.gopalan@gnani.ai ]

 

===================================================

 

Context :

India AI: 3 More Startups to Build Indigenous Foundation Model  .. Outlook Business .. 31 May 2025

Extract :

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said significant progress has been made on India AI Mission, with focus on democratisation of technology.

At the same time, three more teams -- Soket AI, Gan AI, Gnani AI -- have been selected for building indigenous artificial intelligence foundation models.

"Like Sarvam, these three teams also have a very big target ahead of them. Whichever sector they focus on, they must be among the top five in the world," Vaishnaw said.

Put simply, foundation models in generative AI are large, pre-trained models that form the base for a variety of AI applications.

The Minister further said that 367 datasets have already been uploaded to AI Kosh.

Vaishnaw emphasised that these efforts are aimed at building a complete and inclusive AI ecosystem in India.

In April this year, Sarvam AI was selected to build India's first indigenous AI foundational model, marking a key milestone in the country's AI innovation ecosystem

Soket AI will develop open source 120 billion parametres foundation model optimised for the country's linguistic diversity targeting sectors such as defence, healthcare, and education.

Gan AI will create 70 billion parameters of multilingual foundation model targeting capabilities to surpass the current global leader.

Gnani AI will build a 14 billion parameter Voice AI foundation model delivering multilingal real-time speech processing with advances reasoning capabilities.

Ganesh Gopalan, Co-Founder and CEO of Gnani.ai, said in a statement, "We are honoured to be selected under the IndiaAI Mission to develop large language models that truly represent India's linguistic diversity. At Gnani.ai, our mission has always been to make technology more inclusive and accessible".

Gopalan further said Gnani.ai is keen to "lead the way in developing voice-to-voice large language models for India and the world, because we believe transformative AI must speak the language of the people it serves".

 

          Comparative Table :   IndiaAGI   vs.   Socket,   Gan.AI  and   Gnani.ai

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Attribute / Feature	IndiaAGI.ai	Socket	Gan	Gnani.ai
Core Functionality	Aggregates & synthesizes responses from multiple LLMs (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, Grok) for consensus answers.	Real-time, bidirectional, event-based communication library.	AI-driven personalized video generation using AI avatars.	Conversational AI, Voice AI, Speech Analytics, Automation for enterprises.
Primary Output	Consensus answers (text, speech)	Real-time data flow (e.g., chat messages, notifications)	Personalized videos with AI avatars	Voice assistants, call automation, speech-to-text, text-to-speech, voice biometrics
Technology Type	AI Aggregator / Orchestrator (leveraging external LLMs)	Real-time Communication Library	Specialized Generative AI (for video)	Conversational AI Platform, SLMs, Voice AI, Agentic AI
Open Source	Yes	Yes (Open-source JavaScript library)	No (Proprietary platform)	No (Proprietary company with own SLMs and platform)
Cost	Totally FREE	Free (library use), but requires infrastructure to host	Commercial (Paid service, often B2B)	Commercial (B2B solutions, services)
Login Required	No	N/A (developer tool)	Yes (for platform access and account management)	Yes (for enterprise clients)
Indian Language Support	9 Indian Languages ( text & speech )	N/A (communication layer)	Supports multiple languages for lip-sync and translation (e.g., 30+ languages mentioned)	Strong focus on Indic languages (e.g., 10+ for STT/TTS) and regional accents
Input Modalities	Text & Speech	N/A (developer tool)	Text (script for video)	Voice (for assistants, biometrics), Text (for automation)
"FRUGAL" Development	Highly Frugal focuses on orchestration & accessibility	N/A (widely adopted library, community-driven)	Requires significant AI/video engineering resources	Requires substantial R&D in NLP, speech tech, ML engineering
Target Audience	General users, content creators, researchers	Developers, web application builders	Businesses for marketing, sales, internal comms, training	Enterprises (BFSI, telecom, customer service)

 

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.IndiaAGI.ai  /  www.HemenParekh.ai  /  www.My-Teacher.in  /  04 June 2025

                

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Education Innovation

 What death of a degree says about education innovation

Extract from the article:
The National Council of Teacher Education (NCTE) is set to close the B.Ed programme this summer, marking another significant shift in teacher education. This is not the first time the government has discontinued such courses—B.ElEd programs have also been axed in earlier attempts. The rationale behind these closures centers on the evolving needs of the education sector, questioning the traditional one-size-fits-all degree model in preparing educators. The move implies a profound critique of the existing academic structures that may no longer align with innovative and practical teaching requirements.

Another important aspect highlighted is the broader discourse on education innovation. By ending these conventional pedagogy degrees, authorities signal openness to new, perhaps more flexible, pathways for teacher training. It also questions the efficacy of rigid degree-centric qualifications that may inadvertently stifle creativity and adaptive skill-building. The article hints at a growing recognition that degrees alone do not guarantee quality education or teacher competence, and that alternative certification and skill development models could better serve an increasingly dynamic and varied classroom environment.

My Take:

Reforming Staff Selection Commission
"Edu Qualification prescribed, was. Studied until Class V I think it is high time, governments (State + Central), clearly mention in their job advertisements: Maximum Education Qualification .. 10th Standard FAIL (- in present case, of course!) This would save a lot of time / effort / money and frustration - both for the Selectors and for the Candidates! But, bureaucracy never learns!"

Looking back at my reflections from 2018, I realize how much the bureaucratic insistence on outdated qualifications has constrained both candidates and systems alike. The closure of B.Ed and B.ElEd programmes echoes the same dissonance I pointed out years ago—where conventional academic qualifications become misaligned with actual competency and job relevance. It feels like history repeating itself: the system clings to formal degrees, yet these very degrees are being questioned and phased out. Had authorities embraced more flexible, skill-based criteria earlier, perhaps we wouldn’t be witnessing such upheavals today. It reinforces my conviction that reform demands not just a change in courses but a fundamental rethinking of qualification frameworks in education and beyond.

STATE OF EDUCATION
"In last year's exam, 14% had passed CTET. CTET was started by the Government last year to ensure that the quality of teachers across the country is standardized. Consequence? Students from India stood second to last in an international assessment. So what?"

This sobering statistic underlines the persistent quality challenge that ordinary degrees were supposed to tackle but evidently have not. The closing down of traditional teacher education pathways ironically aligns with the hard truth I highlighted about the dismal performance in core skills despite the proliferation of degrees. It’s a jarring reminder that standardization via exams like CTET hasn’t been enough to uplift teacher quality or student outcomes. If closing B.Ed programmes signals a willingness to innovate beyond degrees, it could be a promising wake-up call for systemic change — one that moves from credentialism toward genuine pedagogical competence and creative educational practices.

Call to Action:
To the National Council of Teacher Education and educational policymakers: This transition away from traditional teacher education programmes offers a rare window to rethink how we prepare educators. I urge you to develop and promote alternative, pragmatic certification pathways that emphasize hands-on training, adaptive skills, and continuous professional development. Collaborate with schools, teacher communities, and education innovators to co-create models that reflect real classroom challenges rather than outdated academic formulas. Let this move not be the death of teacher education but the rebirth of an evolved, more effective system. The future of India’s education depends on it.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

CM appoints central agency

 CM appoints central agency to evaluate 100-day action plan

Extract from the article:
In a move meant to foster transparency and accountability within the government, Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has appointed the Quality Council of India (QCI) to independently evaluate the government's ambitious 100-day action plan. The decision underscores an increasing trend of engaging specialized external agencies to objectively assess political and administrative promises made during governance cycles. The 100-day plan, which outlines key deliverables and targets across various departments, is now subject to rigorous scrutiny, with QCI’s mandate to track progress, pinpoint bottlenecks, and provide actionable recommendations. This marks a notable shift towards institutionalized performance evaluation, moving beyond self-assessments by ministries.

The appointment also highlights the political dynamics within Maharashtra’s Mahayuti coalition government, where public expectations for swift and measurable governance have been mounting. By entrusting a reputed independent body, the government seeks to bolster its credibility and assure citizens that promises will translate into tangible outcomes. This development is a response to the growing demand for governmental accountability, fuelled by an increasingly aware electorate and media landscape. Furthermore, the move aligns with national governance trends where data-driven, third-party evaluations are becoming integral to democratic functioning and political nomination strategies.

My Take:

A. From Sankalp to Sampanna
"Hey, look at what I thought of/suggested about this topic, 1 year ago. I had predicted this! I had offered a solution for this." In the blog post ‘From Sankalp to Sampanna,’ I had stressed the absolute necessity of breaking down grand government pledges into discrete, assignable tasks with one minister held accountable per item. The notion was clear: implement a system where each commitment is translated into tangible targets, monitored regularly through a third-party agency—and not merely internally reviewed. What Maharashtra has done here by appointing the QCI is essentially the formalization of this concept at an institutional level. It validates the ideal that systemic accountability needs external actors who are empowered with data access and publishing rights, exactly as I had envisaged. Such mechanisms can be a vital tool for ensuring political nomination dynamics are not ephemeral promises but evolving commitments with built-in performance metrics.

Beyond the bureaucratic mechanics, this approach signals a paradigm shift in political culture—where voters and civil society increasingly demand empirical evidence of governance efficacy rather than rhetoric. It fulfills my earlier assertion about embedding transparency in governance workflows, allowing stakeholders beyond the corridors of power to weigh in through measurable outcomes and public feedback. Maharashtra’s experiment with the QCI as an evaluator will be a fascinating case study to see how independent oversight can reshape political nomination dynamics into performance-based leadership validation.

B. Mitra Maharashtra: Institution for Governance Monitoring
"Hey, look at what I thought of/suggested about this topic, last year. I had predicted this! I had offered a solution for this." In this blog, I advocated the identification and empowerment of independent institutions akin to ‘Mitra Maharashtra’ for monitoring actual governance achievements. I emphasized that such institutions must have unfettered access to governmental records to provide candid assessments, and crucially, that their findings—comparing target versus actual—should be published autonomously, without government filters. The appointment of the Quality Council of India perfectly aligns with these precepts. It demonstrates an operationalization of the theory I had laid out, where an agency with technical credibility executes oversight with full autonomy, ensuring that action plans become measurable outputs embedded within governance frameworks.

This move also resonates with my insistence that evaluation agencies must not be subservient to political interests or partial to ruling alignments; instead, they should act as an independent bulwark for citizens’ right to transparency. Furthermore, embedding such monitoring as an integral component of ministry output budgets, as I had suggested, could potentially be the next evolution of this application—translating assessments into resource allocation models that incentivize performance. Maharashtra’s engagement of QCI is a forward step in lending this concept practical credibility in real-world governance.

Call to Action:
To Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Maharashtra cabinet, I commend this pioneering initiative of appointing the Quality Council of India to objectively evaluate your 100-day action plan. However, I urge you to institutionalize this practice beyond a single term—make third-party evaluations a mandatory, quarterly feature of all ministerial action plans. Empower these agencies with unhindered access to government data and mandate timely publication of their findings to the public domain, facilitating ongoing civic scrutiny. Furthermore, consider linking these evaluations explicitly to ministerial accountability frameworks, incentivizing exemplary performance and enabling course corrections where necessary. Political nomination dynamics must evolve from personality-centric emphases to systems-driven, performance-oriented leadership endorsement. The citizens of Maharashtra deserve no less.

With regards,
Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

EC to link voter rolls

 EC to link voter rolls to birth & death databse

Extract from the article:
The Election Commission of India (EC) is embarking on a transformative initiative to enhance the integrity and accuracy of electoral rolls by linking voter lists with the national births and deaths register. This move is designed to ensure continuous and automatic updates to the voter database, minimizing errors like deceased persons remaining on voter lists or new eligible voters being omitted. By establishing this integration, the EC aims to create a dynamic and self-correcting system that better reflects real-time demographic changes.

Additionally, the EC is conducting technical consultations with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to explore the possibilities of linking voter identification with Aadhaar numbers. This digital synchronization, while promising streamlined verification and fraud reduction, also involves navigating sensitive legal and privacy considerations. The article highlights that these legal provisions and data linkages signal a forward leap in electoral management, emphasizing accuracy, transparency, and efficiency in the democratic process.

My Take:

A. Where is Need?
The idea to be conveyed to the readers is: "Hey, look at what I thought of/suggested about this topic, 3/5/7 years ago. I had predicted this! I had offered a solution for this."

Reflecting back, in 2018 I had underscored the remarkable potential of linking Aadhaar with voter ID cards, emphasizing the strong overlap in data between these two databases. I asserted that the government could calculate the probability that two records pertain to the same individual, streamlining voter roll management enormously. More importantly, I advocated for a voluntary linkage system, underlining that incentivizing voters—rather than mandating—would yield better citizen engagement and uphold democratic values. This proposal resonates profoundly with today's EC efforts, as it tackles accuracy without compromising voluntary participation, hinting that these foundational ideas have been steadily maturing towards real-world application.

B. Thank you, Shri Amitbhai Shah
The idea to be conveyed to the readers is: "Hey, look at what I thought of/suggested about this topic, 3/5/7 years ago. I had predicted this! I had offered a solution for this."

In this more recent blog, I highlighted Home Minister Amit Shah’s visionary approach toward an e-census, where birth and death registers would be digitally linked with census data, promising a 100% accurate, real-time demographic profile. This integration is the very foundation upon which the EC’s voter roll initiative stands today. The movement away from paper-based, static records toward interconnected digital systems is not merely administrative—it’s an evolutionary leap for governance. I applauded this foresight then, and now, witnessing the Election Commission operationalize the linkage of birth/death registries with voter lists, I feel that the seeds sown earlier are blossoming into a modernized, trustworthy electoral framework that will serve democracy better than ever.

Call to Action:
To the Election Commission of India and the UIDAI: This is a commendable stride towards electoral modernization that must maintain an unwavering focus on data privacy, transparency, and citizen consent. I urge the authorities to roll out clear communication campaigns that educate voters about the benefits of these linkages, assuage fears about privacy, and encourage voluntary participation through meaningful incentives. Additionally, continual engagement with civil society and privacy experts will be key to ensuring the technological integration respects democratic liberties while building the most accurate electoral rolls in India’s history.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

State ups car toll on Samruddhi E-way

 State ups car toll on Samruddhi E-way to Rs. 1450 from April 1

Extract from the article:
Starting April 1, the toll rates on the Samruddhi Expressway, the vital artery connecting Mumbai and Nagpur, will see a significant increase of 19%. Light vehicles will bear the brunt of this toll surge, with fees rising from Rs. 1,080 to Rs. 1,290 for a one-way trip. This hike marks a notable adjustment in the cost structure associated with the expressway, which has been pivotal in substantially reducing travel time and connecting two major economic hubs of Maharashtra. The expressway, a massive infrastructure project, not only facilitates swift transit but also promises economic upliftment along its corridor, yet the escalating toll costs may impact the affordability and usage patterns of the route.

The development hints at the complexities of balancing infrastructure funding and public accessibility. While ongoing maintenance and future expansions command resources, the tripling burden on commuters could generate contention, especially in a region where travel costs directly affect daily commercial and private commutes. This decision reflects the evolving dynamics of transportation economics where toll pricing becomes a nexus of policy, public reaction, and sustainable infrastructure financing. The expressway's operational framework will likely encounter calls for transparency and considerations surrounding equitable toll strategies going forward.

My Take:

A. From Express Way to Electrified Way?

"Back in 2021, I highlighted how the Rs 1,100 toll for a light vehicle on the Samruddhi Corridor was aligned with central government guidelines, charging Rs 1.65 per kilometer. The vision was clear: to reduce travel time drastically while incorporating modern infrastructure technologies, including proposed solar power plants along the route. The project was not just a road but a futuristic highway with ambitions for speed and sustainability, enabling vehicles to operate at 150 km/h and cutting down travel time from Mumbai to Nagpur to about 6-7 hours."

Reflecting on this now, the recent 19% toll hike falls right within the trajectory I had anticipated, considering the original toll rates and the operational costs of such a monumental expressway. The integration of solar energy initiatives also remains a critical part of the corridor’s developmental blueprint. However, the increase magnifies the perennial challenge of maintaining affordability without compromising on infrastructure quality and visionary expansions. The balance between innovative infrastructural ambitions and user affordability still remains a tightrope walk. My reflections on incentivizing renewable energy and smart tolling resonate even more given this hike, urging planners to keep both economic viability and environmental sustainability in focus.

B. DEAR SHRI GADKARIJI: YOUR OPPORTUNITY OF A LIFE-TIME

"In an open letter to Shri Gadkari, I proposed a game-changing strategy for the Mumbai-Nagpur Expressway: waive tolls for electric vehicles entirely, while setting a nominally higher toll for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This bold move could have accelerated India's renewable energy ambition by making the expressway a catalyst for electric vehicle adoption. It would serve as a living showcase of the government’s commitment to sustainability, possibly moving the target of 450 GW renewable energy forward by years."

Looking back, this suggestion gains renewed urgency. Presently, with tolls climbing for all vehicles, the opportunity to stimulate greener transport modes seems even more critical. The hike might deter commuters, but differentiated tolling policies aligned with environmental goals could add a layer of progressive policy intervention. My proposal underscores the intersection of infrastructure pricing with environmental stewardship—reminding us there's a potent avenue for applying toll policy as a lever for green transformation. It invites policymakers to revisit pricing structures that don't just recuperate investments but also foster a cleaner future.

C. A Reverse Toll? Possible!

"In 2017, I discussed the concept of a reverse toll system on the Nagpur-Mumbai E-Way, where incentives rather than charges could be employed to regulate traffic and promote usage. The idea was to explore alternative frameworks beyond the conventional user-pays model, potentially offering rebates or credits to frequent users or commercial vehicles that contributed significantly to economic productivity."

This concept remains strikingly relevant as tolls steadily rise. Instead of merely increasing tolls, incorporating reverse toll mechanisms or incentives could alleviate the financial burden on regular commuters, providing a win-win by encouraging usage while supporting highway revenue. Reflecting on my earlier musings, I now see an increased imperative to integrate such innovative toll models into the operational strategy of expressways like Samruddhi. It could democratize access, preserve affordability, and reward sustainable behavioral patterns amongst drivers, aligning economic and social objectives.

Call to Action:
To the Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC) and government transport authorities: While infrastructure funding is vital, there is an imperative need to recalibrate toll policies with a dual focus on user accessibility and sustainability. I urge you to consider differentiated tolling models, including waived tolls for electric vehicles and incentive-based reverse toll systems for frequent users. Additionally, leveraging renewable energy potential along the corridor must be accelerated as originally envisioned to offset operational costs and build a greener expressway ecosystem. Engaging transparently with the public on toll hike rationales and exploring diversified, equitable funding methods can help sustain the expressway’s promise without alienating everyday commuters.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

School curriculum in state rejigged

 School curriculum in state rejigged to align with NCERT

Extract from the article:
The Maharashtra government has announced plans to implement an NCERT-based curriculum starting with Class 1 from the academic year 2025-26. This marks a significant shift as state board schools will gradually transition to adopting the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) timetable. The overarching goal is to synchronize the academic calendar of Maharashtra’s schools with that of the CBSE, paving the way for a more unified and standardized education framework across the state.

This move is expected to underpin a more cohesive educational system which not only aligns with national standards but also promotes greater parity in learning experiences for students studying under different boards. It represents an effort to reduce disparities in curriculum design and bring state students on par with their peers across India, potentially enhancing competitiveness, mobility, and uniformity in education delivery.

My Take:

A. Congratulations, Smt Varshaji
"Government ties up with Google to start Virtual Classes...Students and teachers will get access to Google Classroom and G Suite for Education that will provide solutions to support remote learning. The tools allow interactive sessions, which will allow teachers to explain lessons, and students can also ask their doubts while sitting at home...Coronavirus has forced us to adopt the changes that were supposed to come in the future."

Looking back, I had applauded Maharashtra’s pioneering vision in integrating virtual classrooms through collaboration with Google. That initiative truly laid the foundation for modernizing education and brought forth technological inclusivity at an unprecedented scale within the state. The current plan to implement an NCERT curriculum resonates with that forward momentum — it is a natural progression from adopting digital tools to now standardizing educational content and timetables. Both efforts exhibit a desire to embrace innovation and uniformity simultaneously, showing how infrastructural readiness complements curricular reforms. Reflecting on those earlier strides, it becomes clear that the groundwork for systemic change was being laid well in advance, and these reforms are reaping the benefits of such early foresight.

B. Simple Summary of Sankalp
"Will open 200 Kendriya and Navodaya Vidyalayas by 2024...Will formulate new regulatory mechanism to provide autonomy to quality institutions...Providing access to leading journals, free of cost, to students from National Digital Library of India...Will formulate National Policy for Reskilling and Upskilling for Industry-responsive workforce."

Reading the current developments in Maharashtra’s school system against the backdrop of visionary policies like Sankalp, I realize how deeply interconnected these efforts are. The emphasis on expanding quality educational institutions and ensuring autonomy aligns well with harmonizing curricula to a national standard like NCERT. This standardization facilitates mobility and access to uniformly recognized knowledge frameworks, which is crucial for students’ holistic growth, consistent with Sankalp’s objectives of excellence and inclusivity. Furthermore, as the state recalibrates its academic calendar to mirror the CBSE, this synchronization feeds directly into creating an ecosystem conducive to reskilling and upskilling in later educational stages, nurturing a workforce ready for modern challenges. This systemic alignment reflects the continuous thread from policy vision to ground-level execution.

Call to Action:
To the Maharashtra State Council of Educational Research and Training (MSCERT) and the Education Ministry, I urge you to ensure that the rollout of the NCERT curriculum is accompanied by comprehensive teacher training and digital infrastructure readiness, reminiscent of your earlier successful implementation of virtual classrooms. Equipping educators with the right pedagogical tools and technological competence is critical for this transition to be meaningful and effective. Additionally, continuous feedback mechanisms must be established to incorporate teacher, student, and parent inputs, ensuring adaptability and inclusiveness in implementation. Let’s collectively embrace this opportunity to not only standardize education but also to elevate its quality across Maharashtra, fostering an empowered generation of learners.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

State's AI policy

 State's AI policy to be released in April: Shelar

Extract from the article:
The state of Maharashtra is gearing up to unveil its own AI policy by April, positioning itself as the pioneering Indian state to formalize a comprehensive framework specifically targeting Artificial Intelligence governance. This initiative reflects an acute awareness of the need to strategically address burgeoning AI technologies through a state-specific lens, focusing heavily on critical sectors such as education and cyber security.

The policy aims to accelerate AI adoption while simultaneously ensuring ethical safeguards, educational integration, and robust cybersecurity protocols that preserve citizen privacy and deter cyber threats. Maharashtra’s move is emblematic of a growing trend among regional governments taking proactive steps in domains traditionally guided by national legislations—highlighting the dynamic interplay between policy innovation and political strategy within sub-national entities in India.

My Take:

A. Dear Ashwini Vaishnawji, I Hope This Email Finds You in Good Spirit
Reflecting upon my earlier discourse on AI regulation at the state level, it is fascinating to witness how Maharashtra has actualized concepts I discussed years ago. Back then, I emphasized the nascent importance of AI ethics bills and the role of states in spearheading technology governance even without overarching national frameworks. The current policy announcement validates the foresight embedded in those reflections, underscoring how regional leadership can sculpt pioneering blueprints that potentially influence national paradigms.

I had also highlighted the embryonic state of AI governance in India and the cautious optimism regarding the impact of such initiatives. Now, Maharashtra boldly stepping forward to craft its AI policy encapsulates this evolution—from abstract debate to concrete governmental strategy—illustrating the fluid dynamics of political nomination, where visionary ideas incubated at a granular level rise to policy prominence.

B. United Nations Agency for Regulating AI
In my prior contemplations about a UN-backed risk-based regulatory framework for AI usage, I explored how multi-tiered governance could harmonize innovation with ethical imperatives globally. Maharashtra's AI policy dovetails intriguingly with those concepts, albeit operating within a state boundary rather than a multinational consortium. The focus on sectors like education and cybersecurity embodies the risk-stratified ethos I advocated—acknowledging that AI’s implications vary widely and thus demand calibrated policy responses.

Furthermore, this development symbolizes the diffusion of global ideas into local contexts—proof that international discourse on AI ethics and regulation is permeating the political nomination landscape in India’s states. This decentralization of AI policy-making bolsters resilience, allowing tailored regulations that are responsive to unique socio-political factors while staying aligned with emerging international norms I had envisaged.

Call to Action:
Dear Honorable Chief Minister and the Maharashtra State AI Policy Taskforce, as you finalize this landmark AI policy, I urge you to prioritize transparent stakeholder engagement, inviting academia, industry leaders, and civil society voices into the process. Incorporate iterative impact assessments that guarantee adaptability and ensure the policy remains future-proof amid AI’s rapid evolution. By doing so, Maharashtra won’t just be the first—it will set a replicable standard of political foresight and responsible governance that other states and the nation can emulate.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

Keep Track of AII Cos

 Statistical Business Register in Works to keep Track of AII Cos

Extract from the article:
The government of India is taking a significant step towards creating a comprehensive and dynamic repository of business data by developing a National Statistical Business Register (NSBR). This register aims to systematically catalogue every business enterprise in the country, from microenterprises to large corporations, across all districts. The intention is to digitize and continuously update this data, leveraging multiple data sources such as the Goods and Services Tax Network, Employees State Insurance Corporation, Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, and records maintained by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. By doing so, economic activity can be better monitored, and policy formulation can be informed with granular and real-time data.

This ambitious initiative is not only about creating a static database but about building an ecosystem that fosters transparency and ease of doing business. The data captured in the NSBR will include crucial business parameters such as enterprise name, location, activities, ownership structure, workforce size, and tax identification numbers like PAN and TAN. Over time, this register is expected to become a backbone for statistical assessments, promoting efficiency in governance, compliance monitoring, and aiding in targeted economic interventions. The envisioned dynamic updating mechanism ensures that the register remains current, reflecting the true pulse of the Indian business landscape.

My Take:

A. A Reform by Re-naming
"Governments often conceive statistical bodies as passive recipients of data rather than proactive entities that should operate with financial autonomy and entrepreneurial spirit. I had previously argued that the National Statistical Commission (NSC) should be treated akin to a corporation infused with equity to generate its own revenue streams. This financial self-sustainability would make the statistical system more resilient and independent. For instance, selling aggregated and anonymized data products as per government policy could be a viable source of income. Such a model ensures the statistical agency is not entirely dependent on government grants or political whims, enhancing credibility and efficiency."

Looking at the current developments around the National Statistical Business Register, I see a clear alignment with this philosophy. The creation of a comprehensive register itself can evolve into an operational unit that collects, processes, and monetizes data responsibly. My earlier advocacy for treating the NSC not like a traditional public sector undertaking but as a semi-autonomous corporation resonates strongly here. This approach adds an entrepreneurial dimension to statistical governance, which can improve service delivery and data quality.

B. One Stop Shops
"When I discussed the emergence of a National Statistical Business Register as a pivotal initiative, I underscored the importance of multi-source data integration. A business register isn’t just a static list; it should be a living system, continuously enriched with inputs from GST returns, ESI and EPFO databases, and corporate affairs records. This integration facilitates a holistic view of economic entities that is vital to policymaking, compliance verification, and research."

Reflecting on the current announcement, it is evident that the government is moving in precisely this direction. The NSBR’s real potential lies in its regular updates from disparate databases, enabling a live pulse rather than a relic of periodic censuses. Digitization at this scale and detail will elevate India’s statistical capacity, transforming macroeconomic policymaking and enabling micro-level insights. The foresight shared in my earlier blog presages this evolution, emphasizing data interoperability and coherence across government platforms.

Call to Action:
To the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation and allied agencies, I urge a relentless focus on transparency, data governance, and stakeholder collaboration as the NSBR takes shape. Consider establishing independent oversight and clear protocols for data privacy and security to build trust among enterprises. Additionally, embed mechanisms for feedback and periodic audit of data accuracy from business entities themselves. This will ensure that the register remains both authoritative and dynamic, driving India’s economic development with empirical rigor.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in

RTI Act

 Civil Society seeks Rollback of DPDP changes to RTI Act

Extract from the article:
The article outlines current civil society concerns regarding recent amendments introduced under the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) framework and their consequential impact on the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Civil society organizations are vociferously advocating for a rollback of these changes, which they fear could dilute the effectiveness of the RTI Act—a cornerstone legislation that safeguards transparency and accountability in governance. The alterations threaten to introduce opaque data privacy standards that inadvertently obstruct public access to crucial information, undermining democratic oversight.

Moreover, the piece highlights how these amendments might curtail citizens’ rights by imposing onerous conditions or ambiguous clauses that hinder information disclosures under RTI requests. Activists and legal experts argue that while data protection is essential, it should not come at the cost of transparency. They call upon lawmakers and regulatory bodies to revisit these provisions to ensure a delicate balance between protecting personal data and preserving public access to government-held information—integral to upholding the very fabric of participatory democracy.

My Take:

A. What Got Achieved?
Reflecting on my earlier analysis about governmental accountability and transparency, I had stressed that political manifestos must not only promise but also clearly communicate tangible achievements with precise metrics and investment rationales. The current calls to safeguard the RTI Act resonate strongly with my previous contention that opaque processes and lack of clear reports hamper trust and democratic engagement. In that 2019 blog, I pondered how without transparent disclosures, citizens are left in the dark about progress—rendering oversight mechanisms feeble.

This issue runs parallel with the challenges posed by the DPDP Act changes. If data protection reforms obscure official disclosures or complicate information retrieval, then the very purpose of democratic accountability is imperiled. Hence, reinforcing transparency, as I advocated years ago, is not merely a bureaucratic exercise but a democratically vital imperative—as relevant today as ever.

B. Structural Reforms
Years back, I envisioned the transformative potential of embedding responsible reforms that marry citizen participation with technology-enabled transparency. My proposal included online opinion polls and publishing quarterly performance reviews of government targets versus actual achievements to foster accountability directly through public engagement. The current uproar over DPDP’s amendments reaffirms the criticality of such frameworks—a reminder that reforms must be participatory and robust rather than restrictive or convoluted.

The backlash from civil society spotlights a vital lesson I advocated: technological or legislative reforms should not become smokescreens that constrict citizen empowerment but rather be catalytic for openness and inclusion. Balancing data privacy with unimpeded access to information demands an iterative dialogue between policymakers and the populace, a process I emphasized as essential structural reform.

C. Digital Provident Fund: Unparalleled Opportunity
In an earlier proposal for a Digital Provident Fund that would democratize financial benefits and channel funds into productive infrastructure projects, the underlying principle was to harness digital innovation for citizen benefit and transparency. The current situation—where digital data privacy laws risk curtailing transparency—illuminates the double-edged nature of digital legislation. My concept envisioned empowerment through digital tools, enabling citizens to track, benefit, and engage with governance outcomes clearly.

The lesson here is that digital policy frameworks need to rigorously prioritize openness alongside protection—ensuring that data safeguards do not become barriers to accountability. Revisiting my earlier vision for digitally enabled governance reminds us that technological progress, policy reforms, and citizen rights must harmonize seamlessly.

Call to Action:
To the policymakers spearheading the DPDP amendments and the custodians of the RTI framework: I urge you to pause and re-examine these changes through the prism of democratic transparency. Engage meaningfully with civil society and data rights experts to recalibrate the laws so that they protect individuals’ data without erecting labyrinthine barriers to information access. Uphold the inviolable balance between privacy and openness—ensuring that the Right to Information remains an unassailable pillar of our democracy.

A legislative rollback or meaningful revision to align DPDP with RTI objectives is not just advisable; it is imperative. The health of our democracy depends upon it.

With regards, 

Hemen Parekh

www.My-Teacher.in