The Government of Tamil Nadu on Thursday created a dedicated ministry for Artificial Intelligence, becoming the second state in the country after neighbouring Kerala to establish a separate department exclusively focused on AI and emerging digital technologies.
In a significant move aimed at strengthening the state’s technological and digital governance ecosystem, R. Kumar, a legislator from the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) who was elected from the Velachery Assembly constituency, was sworn in as a minister on Thursday.
The oath of office was administered by Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi at a ceremony held in Chennai in the presence of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay and senior government officials.
Following the swearing-in ceremony, Kumar was assigned the portfolios of Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology and Digital Services, marking the formal creation of a specialised ministry dedicated to overseeing AI-driven governance, digital transformation initiatives and technological innovation in the state.
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The establishment of the new ministry is being viewed as a strategic step by the Tamil Nadu government to position the state as a leading hub for artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and next-generation technology development. Officials believe the dedicated department will help streamline policy decisions, encourage AI-based innovation across sectors and improve public service delivery through advanced digital solutions.
The move also reflects the growing emphasis being placed by Indian states on integrating artificial intelligence into governance, industry, education and public administration. The ministry is expected to focus on areas such as AI-based governance systems, digital public services, data management, automation, cybersecurity and skill-development in emerging technologies.
Tamil Nadu’s decision comes soon after the Kerala government announced the formation of a similar standalone ministry dedicated to Artificial Intelligence, signalling a broader push among southern states to adopt technology-centric governance models and attract investments in the rapidly expanding AI sector.
With the creation of the dedicated portfolio, Tamil Nadu joins a small but growing group of states taking institutional steps to prepare for the increasing role of artificial intelligence in governance, economic development and digital transformation.
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