Indian Economy News

Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Digital India BHASHINI Division and Survey of India for Toponymic Data Digitisation

According to the Press Information Bureau, the Digital India Division (DIBD) of the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) entered into an agreement (MOU) with the Survey of India (SoI). The aim is to aid with digitising, transcribing, and standardising toponymic (the name of a geographical location) data. In this case, the Survey of India serves as the authority in India for standardising the names of geographical features. During its survey work, the Survey of India collects geographical names observed in the local dialects or native language(s) of the area. For example, under this agreement, BHASHINI will use the language technology platform of BHASHINI to convert voice or beyond-voice audio recordings made during such field surveys into written text, known as transcription, along with supporting multilingual representations or written forms of these place names.
This initiative focuses on developing a comprehensive and validated toponymy database that aligns with the objectives of the national geospatial Policy, 2022. The digitized datasets will enable the National Geographical Name Information System (NGNIS) to ensure that place names are consistent and accurate on all types of maps, governance platforms, and public information systems. By using artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP), this partnership will accelerate, scale, and improve the reliability of processing toponymic data while preserving correct pronunciation and linguistic nuances from region to region. The MoU is an indication of the Government of India's intention to develop AI-enabled digital public Infrastructure that is native to India and will be able to integrate geospatial data with language technologies in creating accurate and truly inclusive governance and mapping systems for the nation.

Disclaimer: This information has been collected through secondary research and IBEF is not responsible for any errors in the same.