AI should assist decision-making, not replace human judgment: Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday that artificial intelligence (AI) should help people make decisions, not replace human judgment. He stressed that new technologies must be used for the benefit of the public.

He was speaking at the opening of the LEXQ Centre of Excellence for quantum forensics and legal compliance at the Uttar Pradesh State Institute of Forensic Sciences (UPSIFS). He said technological progress must also include responsibility, security and human judgment.

"AI can help us make decisions, but it should not make the decisions for us. We should use it and guide it with our own judgment. We should not accept its decisions without question," he said.

Speaking on the second day of the international conference TechSangam 2026, he said the rapid growth of digital technology had made work more efficient. However, it had also created problems involving data security, fraud and whether digital evidence could be trusted.

Comparing technology with the Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj, the chief minister said, "If you compare the Ganga with science and the Yamuna with technology, science and technology can help people only when they are guided by the values represented by the invisible Saraswati." He also recalled the events that led to the forensic sciences institute being set up near Lucknow airport.

He said nearly 100 acres of land owned by the police department had allegedly been taken over illegally by a member of the land 'mafia'. After checking the documents, he ordered an investigation, and police reports known as FIRs were filed, he said. He added that the accused later surrendered and agreed to return the land.

The chief minister also stressed the importance of forensic methods, such as checking fingerprints and examining hair, in criminal investigations.

Looking back at the situation in 2017, he said DNA samples in criminal cases had sometimes waited as long as 10 years to be examined. He said delays in forensic testing could weaken investigations and make it harder to deliver justice.

Adityanath referred to a case involving a member of a 'mafia' whose first crime was committed in 1980. He said the accused was convicted 42 years later.

He said Uttar Pradesh had decided to set up a forensic science laboratory in each of its 18 administrative ranges.

"Today, 12 forensic science laboratories have been completed, while six are in the final stages of construction," he said.

He said the state had more than 150 forensic staff members who collected evidence. More than 1,000 forensic officers had also received training at UPSIFS, he added.

Adityanath said forensic laboratories must produce reliable scientific evidence that can be carefully checked during investigations and in court. He also highlighted the institute's "Law with Lab" approach, which aims to bring scientific knowledge together with legal needs.

"Law needs an understanding of science to make sure justice can be trusted, and science must prepare itself to meet the needs of the legal system," he said.

Speaking about digital infrastructure, the chief minister said Uttar Pradesh aimed to build data centre capacity of 5 gigawatts by 2030.

"Data is the new oil," he said. He added that investment in data infrastructure could create opportunities for businesses, new ideas and jobs.

Adityanath also spoke about the state's industrial growth since 2017. He claimed that the number of industrial units had risen from around 14,000 before 2017 to 35,000.

"Today, no one can force an industry in the state to pay money illegally," he said.

He said the government was working to set up a semiconductor manufacturing unit in Noida. He also said it was spending around Rs 2 lakh crore on capital projects to improve infrastructure.

TechSangam 2026 focuses on bringing together artificial intelligence, cyber forensics, quantum technology, data protection and compliance with the law.

The event also included the release of the book "AI in Construction".