The latest advancements in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector has prompted governments to create dedicated bodies to regulate its use and ensure benefits for citizens. Kerala was the first state to set up a ministry for AI after the formation of the new Congress-led government, assigning IUML MLA P.K. Kunhalikutty to lead the portfolio. Now, the TVK-led Tamil Nadu government has followed suit, combining the AI portfolio with the existing IT and Digital Services Ministry.
The role has been assigned to TVK MLA R. Kumar from Velachery. The party had included the creation of an AI ministry in its 2026 election manifesto, promising "AI innovation hubs... in Madurai, Coimbatore, Salem, and Tiruchirappalli to support 1,000 deep-tech startups." The new ministry could attract investment in the AI sector and boost skill development.
Kumar, a businessman, holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Madras (1989) and completed the Business Leadership Programme at IIM Bangalore in 2014. He is the founder of CREATIONS Concrete Prefab products, which is a “manufacturing unit for prefabricated concrete structures and precast hollow blocks”. In 2017, he co-founded Creations Charitable Trust, an organisation through which he has provided “healthcare support, disaster relief, elderly care and programmes for social inclusion across Tamil Nadu”.
The portfolio allocation came on the heels of a cabinet reshuffle on Thursday. Twenty-three new MLAs, including Congress members, were sworn in as ministers. Congress MLAs S. Rajesh and P.V. Vishwanathan were assigned tourism and higher education, respectively. K.A. Sengottaiyan, was earlier given the finance portfolio, is now overseeing the revenue and disaster management departments. TVK MLA N. Marie Wilson is now finance, planning, and development minister, while Mohammed Farvas is in charge of labour welfare and skill development.