Beyond typing: Kerala's e-office now powered by AI for seamless document processing

# P K Manikandan
Representational Image | Photo: Mathrubhumi Library
Representational Image | Photo: Mathrubhumi Library

Thiruvananthapuram: Government officials and employees in Kerala can now prepare official files and notes without typing. The new AI-powered ‘speech-to-text’ feature is now implemented in the state’s e-office system.

The reform uses ‘ BHASHINI' technology, developed by the central government for Indian languages, integrating artificial intelligence to convert voice input into text. Officials can speak their files, which can also be translated into multiple languages, speeding up administrative processes.

Government sources told 'Mathrubhumi' that the initiative aims to make file procedures simpler, faster and more efficient, while enhancing accessibility for visually impaired employees. The e-office now allows font sizes to be adjusted, catering to diverse user needs.

The update also enables officers to track the status of approved files in real time before they reach their desks. It introduces a department-level separation for sending letters—an improvement over the previous system, which lacked such specificity. Files can also be edited and simplified for clarity.