ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) IN IMPROVING PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

Rendering public services in rural areas may be challenged by factors such as slow processes, a lack of transparency, poor infrastructure, and the inability to reach vulnerable groups. Artificial Intelligence (AI) provides innovative solutions to these challenges by having the potential to make government systems more efficient, accurate, and responsive. This paper examines the role of AI in assisting with the improvement of public service delivery in rural areas, specifically in sectors such as welfare, healthcare, grievance redressal, and agriculture. The paper relies on data from existing research and examples of AI platforms used in rural administration. It indicates that AI technology, such as predictive models for identifying beneficiaries, chatbots for engaging with citizens, and tracking systems, has the ability to reduce errors, corruption, and processing time. In addition, AI technology has the ability to facilitate inclusion by allowing local language interfaces and mobile phone access, which will allow rural citizens to access government services from a distance. However, digital literacy, technology infrastructure, data protection, and trust represent challenges for effective implementation. According to the paper, community awareness and social work are crucial for the effective use of AI technology with community participation. AI technology has the potential to enhance rural governance when implemented in conjunction with human oversight, ethical considerations, and training.