Kerala Launches India’s First Dedicated Cabinet-Level AI Portfolio Under New UDF Government

Kerala become the first Indian state to create a Artificial Intelligence (AI) portfolio at the cabinet level and formally assign AI as a separate administrative identity in government. This decision was announced by the UDF government and this portfolio assigned to senior leader PK Kunhalikutty.

Kerala Creates Dedicated Artificial Intelligence Portfolio

In a cabinet restructuring the Kerala state government has officially introduced a separate Artificial Intelligence department within the ministerial framework.

According to the official Gazette notification, the AI portfolio has been placed under the broader Industries and Commerce Department, alongside with the,

• Information Technology
• Startups
• Mining and Geology
• Handlooms and Textiles

The portfolio has been assigned to PK Kunhalikutty, who is a senior Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) leader.

Why This Move Is Significant

Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing the,

• Public administration
• Business automation
• Manufacturing
• Education
• Healthcare
• Agriculture
• Start-up innovation
• Governance systems

Yet, most of the Indian states are managing the AI-related initiatives under broader IT or digital departments.

Why AI Has Been Placed Under Industries and Commerce

The placement of the AI portfolio under industries and commerce is strategically important.

This suggests that government is viewing artificial intelligence not merely as a digital governance tool but also as an economic development sector.

Possible focus areas could includes the,

• Startup Ecosystem Growth
• Industrial Modernization
• IT Sector Expansion
• Public Service Innovation

Also the AI can support smarter governance through data analytics, digital service delivery and citizen-centric automation.

Other Major Cabinet Portfolio Allocations

The new cabinet distribution has also assigned several key departments.

Chief Minister VD Satheesan

The Chief Minister retained important departments including the,

• Finance
• Kerala Financial Corporation
• Ports
• Law
• Pollution Control
• Airports
• Metro Rail
• Railways
• Home Department

Senior leader Ramesh Chennithala has been given the,

• Home
• Vigilance
• Fire and Rescue Services
• Prisons
• Coir
• Health Sector

K Muraleedharan will oversee the,

• Health
• Medical Education
• AYUSH
• Drugs Control
• Devaswoms
• Tourism and Culture

PC Vishnunadh has been assigned the,

• Tourism
• Culture
• Kerala State Film Development Corporation