Free AI training on priority basis for 5.5 lakh village-level entrepreneurs: IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Wednesday that the workforce manning the 5,60,000 Common Service Centres across the country will be imparted free training in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Speaking at an event to mark the 16th establishment day of CSCs, one of the world's largest digital service delivery networks, the Minister said village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs) will be trained in the latest technological trends.

Also read: 'It seems like I’m losing all of my sanity': Indian techie based in US talks about mental distress—viral post (startuppedia.in)

10 lakh people to be equipped with AI skills under IndiaAI mission

‘Under the IndiaAI mission, the government has decided to equip 10 lakh people with AI skills. Of this, we will give priority to and train 5.5 lakh VLEs,' Vaishnaw said, urging more village-level entrepreneurs to join the training programme.

The government aims to train 10 lakh citizens in advanced digital technologies, including AI, machine learning, data analytics, cybersecurity, and AI as part of the India AI Mission to provide them a higher income generation opportunity.

 Over 5.5 lakh Village Level Entrepreneurs who run Common Service Centres will receive free AI training by the government, as stated by the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology.

The Minister added that CSC VLEs want allotment of Aadhaar-related work at their centre.

Vaishnaw asked CSC SPV to prepare details on the merger of state-based service centres and assured VLEs that he would discuss the possibility of their merger with state governments.

Notably, the Minister recently shared that within the next five years, the country is on track to achieve a value addition of 38%, comparable to China’s.

The Union Minister remarked that India is strengthening its domestic electronics manufacturing capabilities to reduce its reliance on China. 

During an ET roundtable, Ashwini Vaishnaw confidently expressed that India is developing its electronics ecosystem in a “very methodical and sustained way.”

Currently, India has surpassed the 20% value addition mark within six to seven years, and targets to cross 30% in the next two to three years.

Also read: Airtel partners with Perplexity to offer Pro subscription worth ₹17,000 for free to 360 million customers (startuppedia.in)