DIGITAL AND AI GOVERNANCE IN INDIA: CHALLENGES OF DATA PRIVACY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Artificial Intelligence has rapidly evolved into an integral part of India's digital democracy. It has resulted in heading towards dignified digital governance. The revolutionary impact of Artificial Intelligence in governance has been clearly visible in the fields of healthcare, agriculture, finance, banking, law, etc., posing serious implications on transparency, accountability and efficiency of government machinery. This paper addresses how issues of data privacy and government accountability coexist within India's development of its digital governance framework. By analysing the law, policy reviews and case studies related to India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, we will identify gaps in the current regulatory framework and evaluate whether sufficient institutional mechanisms exist to regulate the growing area of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), algorithmic decision-making for public welfare programs and biometric surveillance systems. Globally, countries are taking significant steps to formulate ethical principles and practical guidelines to ensure citizens’ digital rights and effective public administration. This paper suggests a systemic approach to an efficient regulatory framework for digital governance by encompassing technical experts, policymakers, and legal professionals, all responsible for the better implementation of artificial intelligence in civil society. Our research suggests that effective digital governance in India requires not only legislative reform but also the creation of a truly independent and empowered Data Protection Authority, the enforcement of algorithmic transparency, and the provision of appropriate remedies for citizens harmed by poor governance decisions. Finally, we provide recommendations for developing a rights-based accountability framework for India's socio-legal context.