Centre Unveils Ambitious Plan to Democratise Technology in India
Image Source: Internet
India's Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has outlined the government's vision to democratise technology and ensure equal access to emerging digital tools. Speaking at the Regional AI Impact Conference in Shillong, Vaishnaw said the Centre has allocated ₹10,300 crore over five years to develop an inclusive artificial intelligence ecosystem. The government has established a Common Compute Facility with over 38,000 graphics processing units, providing affordable access to high-end AI resources. Additionally, 3,800 datasets and over 250 open-source models have been made available to support innovators. Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of AI skills in future employability, aiming to train one million people in India. To achieve this goal, 570 Data & AI Labs are being set up nationwide, including one in Shillong. The initiative aligns with Meghalaya's vision to rise to the top 10 in national development rankings. Meghalaya Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar highlighted the state's unique advantages, including its 75 per cent forest cover and demographic strength, with 51 per cent of its population below 20. The state has leveraged AI to identify deforestation risks and implemented the Payment for Ecosystem Services scheme, providing income support to forest owners for conservation. The IndiaAI Mission, launched with an outlay of ₹10,371 crore, aims to build a robust and inclusive AI framework under seven pillars. Meghalaya was selected for the first Regional Summit due to its leadership in digital governance, with initiatives such as paperless Assembly proceedings and the e-District service delivery model. The state's strong hydropower and climate advantages make it an attractive destination for knowledge-based investments.
