Trust In Algorithmic Governance: Ethical Dimensions Of AI-Enhanced Administrative Decision-Making In India

Abstract

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into India's public administration has produced profound transformations in how the state delivers services, adjudicates claims, and allocates welfare resources across its vast and diverse citizenry. From the algorithmic scoring frameworks embedded in the Aadhaar-linked benefit distribution system to predictive policing tools piloted across metropolitan jurisdictions, AI-enhanced decision-making systems are increasingly shaping the life outcomes of hundreds of millions of citizens.But this proliferation of algorithmic governance has outrun the growth of matching ethical principles, accountability systems and mechanisms of trust building. The paper challenges the ethical implications of the use of Artificial Intelligence in the administration of public affairs in India, applying the concept of ‘trust’ and exploring the interplay of transparency, accountability, fairness and procedural legitimacy in the context of Indian socio-political and constitutional arrangements. The paper, based on comparative regulatory analysis, empirical survey evidence and documented case evidence, highlights key gaps in existing AI deployments that undermine the confidence of those who are excluded from the system, limited transparency of the algorithmic process, and reduced administrative appeal rights. The paper also examines the evolving Indian legislative and policy measures such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (2023) and the NITI Aayog's Responsible AI frameworks in comparison to international standards. It concludes with a set of normative recommendations for building citizen trust in algorithmic governance consonant with constitutional values of equality, dignity, and participatory democracy.