Blog

Wednesday 14 June 2023

Voice Payments in Local Language : Seven Year Journey ?

Context :

AI4Bharat: Enabling voice payments in local languages to bridge eDivide

( 12 June 2023 )

Extract :

This technology is expected to significantly help feature phone users get the benefits of digital railroads such as UPI. The NPCI , the platform for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India is working with AI4Bharat , an open source language Artificial Intelligence ( AI ) based at IIT – Madras, to facilitate VOICE – BASED MERCHANT PAYMENTS , as well as PEER – TO – PEER TRANSACTIONS in LOCAL LANGUAGES

This technology will significantly help feature phone users get the benefit of innovations such as UPI

There's a painful IVRS and as per a study, to transfer Rs 100 you need to press buttons 52 times on the phone to transfer money to a contact. I mean 'press 1 for English', 'press 2 for account number', then some confirmation

Across India, people speak in different ways. AI4Bharat is working on the technical component which can recognize a voice in an Indian language and identify entities

My Take :

Ø Google Can Read Your Mind ? ………………………. 09 Dec 2016

Extract :

Dear Shri Amitabh :

Like you ( and of course , Shri Modiji ) , I have a great faith in the ability of Indian software engineers ( local or NRI ) to come up with revolutionary solutions / innovations !

Just ask Sundar Pichai , Sam Pitroda , Satya Nadela , Sachin Katti , Pranav Mistry , Sanjay Sarma , Nandan Nilekani etc , if they will help implement the following :

* Buyer buys something worth Rs 100 from a shopkeeper

* Buyer and the Seller , look into their own mobile-cameras ( of smart phones

loaded with M-Rup ) for biometric Aadhar identification / linked to Jan Dhan a/c

* Seller speaks in his mobile : " Muze Sau Rupiah dedo "

* Buyer speaks in his mobile : " Inko Sau Rupiah dedo "

* Message flashes in the mobile screen of Seller : " Tumhare account-me Sau Rupiah

Jamah ho gaya / GST bhi kaat ke Sarkar-ko bhej diya "

* Message flashes in the mobile screen of Buyer : " Tumhare account-se , Sau Rupiah inko

Bhej Diya . Abhi balance me teen sau sath rupiah bacha hai "

I request all concerned , not to insult our engineers / scientists / geeks , by doubting if such SIMPLIFICATION ( based on day to day spoken language ) is possible

Doubting Thomas may want to look up ... PILOT

{ http://www.waverlylabs.com/ }

This is the only way rural India can bypass the Jurassic Age of Plastic Cards to usher into a CASH-LESS society !

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

Dear Shri Amitabh Kant :

While congratulating you - and your entire team of dedicated professionals - I request you , not to stop with launch of AEPS mobile app

Please, do come up with a version which enables millions of not-so-savvy Indians to just give a " Voice based Instructions " to AEPS app , for all of their Digital Payment transactions, in language of their choice

This is how BARD compared the two methods :

Feature	Smart Phone	Feature Phone
Method of payment	UPI	UPI
Language	Hindi	Hindi
Ease of transaction	Easy	Easy
Relative advantages	More convenient for people who are not comfortable typing	More affordable

Both methods of voice payments use Hindi as the language of communication. They are also both relatively easy to use. However, there are some key differences between the two methods.

Smartphone users can make voice payments using their UPI app. This is a convenient option for people who are already familiar with using UPI. However, it can be expensive to purchase a smartphone and pay for data plans.

Feature phone users can make voice payments using a new technology called AI4Bharat. This technology is still in development, but it has the potential to make voice payments more affordable and accessible to people who do not have smartphones.

Overall, both methods of voice payments have the potential to make it easier for people in India to make digital payments. However, the relative advantages of each method will depend on the individual user's needs and preferences.

Here is a more detailed comparison of the two methods:

Smartphone

· Pros:

o Convenient for people who are already familiar with using UPI

o More secure than cash or cards

o Can be used to make payments anywhere there is a UPI-enabled merchant

· Cons:

o Expensive to purchase a smartphone and pay for data plans

o Can be difficult to use for people who are not familiar with UPI

Feature Phone

· Pros:

o More affordable than a smartphone

o Does not require a data plan

o Easy to use for people who are not familiar with UPI

· Cons:

o Still in development, so it may not be available in all areas

o Not as secure as a smartphone

o Can only be used to make payments at merchants that have a voice-enabled UPI terminal

Ultimately, the best method of voice payments for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a convenient and secure way to make digital payments, a smartphone is a good option. If you are looking for a more affordable and accessible option, a feature phone may be a better choice.

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.hemenparekh.ai / 15 June 2023

At long last : BHIM to get a voice ? ………………………….. 22 July 2021

Do Not Stop Here ! ………………………………………………………..[ 01 Dec 2016 ]

When BHIM is here, can ARJUN be far away ? …………….[ 30 Dec 2016 ]

A Matter of Time ………………………………………………………………[ 03 Jan 2017 ]

JUST ONE MORE STEP LEFT ……………………………………………[ 30 Jan 2017 ]

Simplicity : The Ultimate Mobile Wallet ?......................[ 13 Feb 2017]

Wake Up , BHIM , Wake Up !.......................................[ 16 Mar 2017 ]

BHIM : the……………………………………………………………………………..[ 14 April 2017 ]

A Beerud named BHIM ?..................................................[ 17 Apr 2017 ]

Thank You : Beerud………………………………………………………………..[ 23 Apr 2017 ]

Inching Forward ?...........................................................[ 20 May 2017 ]

Let BHIM get MAD !.........................................................[ 21 May 2017 ]

BHIM , the Impersonator ?...............................................[ 17 June 2017 ]

BHIM : Can You tango with GST ?.....................................[ 19 June 2017 ]

Preloaded BHIM ?............................................................[ 04 July 2017 ]

Closing in on BHIM V 4.0 !................................................[ 05 July 2017 ]

BHIM : the Omnipresent ?.................................................[ 05 Sept 2017 ]

From BHIM 3.0 to BHIM 7.0 ?............................................[ 14 Sept 2017 ]

Not exactly BHIM 4.0…………………………………………………………………[ 19 Sept 2017 ]

BHIM gets a Voice !...........................................................[ 30 Oct 2017 ]

Google, WhatsApp, BHIM ?.................................................[ 14 Dec 2017 ]

BHIM will recognize you………………………………………………………… [30 May 2018 ]

BHIM gets friendly with GST ………………………………………………………[ 04 Aug 2018 ]

Wednesday 7 June 2023

Shri Meghwalji : Who killed 288 in Train Tragedy ?

Of course , many different authorities / agencies , will come up with different answers

Some negligent officers will get “ suspended “

Rs 12 lakh { for next of kin } , will get disbursed

Reports will get filed

Dead will be forgotten

Some 4 years ago, I had suggested a mechanism to pin the guilty and compute the harm caused in such cases of “ Omission “ , through my following e-mail :

Needed : a Service Liability Act…. 12 June 2019

Nothing happened

Now , find below , a DRAFT of such an Act ( - I have not given up hope that you may consider introducing in the Monsoon Session of Lok Sabha ) :

Service Liability Bill - 2023

A BILL

To provide for the liability of officers and employees of the Government of India and of other public authorities for negligence or omission in the performance of their duties, and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-fourth Year of the Republic of India as follows:—

CHAPTER I

PRELIMINARY

Short title and commencement. (1) This Act may be called the Service Liability Bill, 2023.

(2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.

2. Definitions.

In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(a) "Government" means the Government of India;

(b) "officer" includes any person holding any office under the Government;

(d) "service" includes any service under the Government or under any public authority;

(e) "wilful misconduct" means any act or omission which is done intentionally and with knowledge that it is likely to cause harm.

CHAPTER II

Liability for Negligence or Omission

Liability for negligence or omission. (1) Where an officer or employee of the Government or any public authority is negligent or omits to perform his or her duty, he or she shall be liable to pay damages to any person who suffers loss or damage as a result of such negligence or omission.

(2) The amount of damages payable under this section shall be determined by a court of law.

(3) In cases of wilful misconduct, the liability for damages shall be higher and subject to appropriate legal proceedings.

CHAPTER III

Punishments for Crime of Omission

Punishment for crime of omission. (1) Where an officer or employee of the Government or any public authority commits a crime of omission, he or she shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

(2) For the purposes of this section, a "crime of omission" means any act or omission which is done intentionally and with knowledge that it is likely to cause harm, and which causes actual harm.

(3) The punishment for officers responsible for any "Crime of Omission" is imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or with both.

CHAPTER IV

Miscellaneous

Saving. Nothing in this Act shall affect the liability of the Government or any public authority to pay damages for negligence or omission in accordance with any other law for the time being in force.

Power to make rules. The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules for the purposes of this Act, including provisions for the investigation, prosecution, and trial of cases related to service liability.

Repeal. The Service Liability Act, 1992 (31 of 1992), is hereby repealed.

This Bill aims to establish a framework for holding officers and employees of the Government and public authorities accountable for negligence or omission in the performance of their duties. It introduces provisions for liability and punishment, ensuring that those responsible for any harm caused by their actions or inactions are held accountable.

Dear Shri Arjun Ram Meghwalji

( Minister for Law / mljoffice@gov.in ) ,

And this time let us heed the advice of Sam Altman ( CEO – OpenAI ) who , while talking to an elite group of policy-makers yesterday said :

Ahead of his meeting with PM Modi, the OpenAI chief said, “It is super impressive what India has done in terms of national tech, national assets. But the government should focus on finding how they can integrate this technology into other services.

Hopefully, we all start to use Language-Learning Models (LLMs) to make government services way better.”

( source : https://www.hindustantimes.com/technology/openais-sam-altman-reaches-india-says-chatgpt-truly-embraced-to-meet-pm-narendra-modi-101686150351781.html

Can we integrate LLM into my proposed SERVICE LIABILITY ACT, to “ make government services way better “ ?

Let there be neither any doubt nor any hesitation .

Let there be only a WILL and a DETERMINATION

Here is how :

To compute AQ ( Anger Quotient ) / WS ( Wrath Score ) arising as a result of an “ Act of Omission “ ( which leads to human harm ) , AI needs to compile a massive data about such events , to “ compute “ :

# Extent of hurt / damage

# Coverage

# Time Frame

# Economic Impact on the Sufferers

# Cause

For AI , this is no big deal

We have to let AI compile for past 10 years :

# Millions of headlines / reports about all such HARM EVENTS from online news

sources

# Billions of hours of Audio-Video recordings of such HARM EVENTS, from TV –

Radio

# Billions of messages uploaded / forwarded on Messenger Apps

# Billions of messages posted by millions of users , on Social Media websites

# Billions of hours of chat / discussions taken place on Mobile Phones

# Billions of hours of VIDEO MEETS that have taken place on ZOOM / Microsoft

Meet etc

What about we failing to take “ timely / appropriate / adequate “ action NOW to prevent JOB-LOSSES likely to be caused by AI ?

If we don’t act NOW , without doubt , that too , would come under “ Acts of Omission “

Look at what Sam Altman had to say in this regard :

Speaking at the session, Altman said that every technological evolution leads to changes in the job market and AI is not an exception .

In two generations , we can kind of adapt to any amount of labour market changes and there are new jobs. That is going to happen here with AI.

Some jobs are going to go away. But there will be new better jobs that are difficult to imagine

[ source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/ai-will-replace-existing-jobs-with-newer-better-ones-openai-ceo-sam-altman/articleshow/100826983.cms?from=mdr

Dear Shri Meghwalji,

What Sam forgot to mention > In matter of AI , two generations last barely 2 years !

It is not too late to consider implementation of my following 7 year old e-mails :

A NEW ECONOMIC ORDER ? aka " Start Up Act - 2015 " ………….12 Sept 2015

" BACK FACTORY " OF THE WORLD ? ………………………………………. 09 Sept 2015

Summary of E-Mails to Cabinet Ministers > SELF EMPLOYMENT / GIG ECONOMY

[ 64 emails till .. 10 Mar 2021 ]

National Jobs Policy : Treasure Hunt …………………………………………… 15 Dec 2017

With regards,

Hemen Parekh

www.hemenparekh.ai / 08 June 2023

Integrating LLM to “make government services way better “ ? Here is what ChatGPT opined :

It is possible that in the future AI could be used to compile and analyze data related to harm events, and calculate an "Anger Quotient" or "Wrath Score."

With the advancement of technology and the availability of vast amounts of data, AI systems can potentially process and analyze billions of data points from various sources such as news articles, social media posts, videos, and more.

This could help in understanding the extent of damage, the cause of harm, economic impact, and other relevant factors associated with such events.

However, it is important to note that the implementation of such a system would require careful consideration of ethical, legal, and privacy concerns. Gathering and analyzing large amounts of personal data should be done with proper consent and adherence to data protection regulations. Additionally, there should be transparency and accountability in the use of AI algorithms to ensure fairness and prevent biases.

Regarding the proposed Service Liability Act, the integration of Language-Learning Models (LLMs) could potentially enhance government services by automating certain tasks, improving communication, and providing better access to information.

LLMs, such as ChatGPT, have the potential to assist with tasks like answering queries, providing information, and analyzing large volumes of text.

However, it is important to note that LLMs are tools that require human oversight and should not replace human judgment or decision-making entirely.

Government services should aim to strike a balance between utilizing AI technologies for efficiency and maintaining human involvement for critical decision-making and accountability.

Regarding the concerns about job losses caused by AI, it is true that technological advancements, including AI, can lead to changes in the job market.

Some jobs may become obsolete, while new jobs may emerge.

It is crucial for governments, industries, and educational institutions to anticipate these changes and proactively address them.

This may involve retraining and upskilling the workforce to adapt to new job requirements and ensuring a smooth transition for those affected by job displacement.

Overall, the scenarios you presented in your draft blog suggest possibilities for the future, but the actual implementation and success of such initiatives would depend on various factors, including technological advancements, ethical considerations, and policy decisions.