¨     An MoU signed between Digital India BHASHINI and Survey of India for Toponymic Data Digitisation.

¨     On 20 January 2026, an MoU has been signed between Digital India BHASHINI Division (DIBD), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Survey of India (SoI).
¨     The collaboration aims support the digitisation, transcription and standardisation of geographical place names (toponyms) using AI-based speech and language technologies.
¨     This collaboration will strengthen the creation of accurate, multilingual, and standardized toponymic datasets in accordance with the National Geospatial Policy, 2022.
¨     BHASHINI’s speech-to-text capabilities will be used to convert audio recordings into digital text.
¨     The project will support the creation of a validated Toponymy Database covering over 16 lakh locations.
¨     This collaboration between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and the Bhashini division will help in developing a National Geographic Naming Information System.
¨     Under this system, audio data collected from the field will be processed in local language scripts, Devanagari, Roman, and other formats, ensuring uniformity in national maps, digital platforms, and governance systems.
¨     Accurate multilingual representation of place names will be ensured across maps and governance platforms.
¨     Audio documentation will help preserve correct pronunciation and local linguistic variations.
¨     The MoU reinforces the role of indigenous language AI in strengthening India’s geospatial ecosystem.