What is the National Program on Artificial Intelligence (AI) by the Indian Government?

The National Program on Artificial Intelligence is a programme launched by the Indian government. It is a comprehensive initiative that utilises generative AI’s potential for economic growth, national security, and social development. 

According to the information provided by the NITI Ayog, artificial intelligence can potentially add 1 trillion dollars to the country’s economy by 2035. Moreover, realising the power of AI, the Indian government, in the Budget 2018–19, mandated the NITI Ayog to set up the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence.

In pursuance of the above, NITI Aayog has adopted a three-pronged approach: undertaking exploratory proof-of-concept AI projects in various areas, crafting a national strategy for building a vibrant AI ecosystem in India, and collaborating with various experts and stakeholders.

After this, the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) launched an umbrella programme called India AI to look after AI-related developments in India.  

To achieve this vision of AI in India, MeitY has implemented the National Program on Artificial Intelligence (NPAI). As part of this effort, MeitY has requested the Ministry of Skills Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to create a plan for skill development for Artificial Intelligence in India.

India AI: Vision

In the coming years, the AI revolution in India is expected to be bigger than the IT revolution of India. To make this happen, the skilling environment in India needs to be improved. 

• Making India the Global AI Superpower
• Developing the AI Innovation & Start-up Ecosystem
• Creating large-scale Social Transformation leveraging the power of AI
• Creating a model of Responsible and Ethical AI for India and the world
• Getting India and its Workforce Ready for the AI Wave

India AI: Objectives

AI is a computer-intensive field requiring a lot of support to build the desired infrastructure environment. Artificial Intelligence is also used along with other technologies for the desired results. 

Objectives laid down for the India AI mission are as follows:

• Ensuring access to quality datasets for AI Research & innovation
• Ensuring the availability of skilled AI talent
• Making AI computing and other critical infrastructure accessible
• Promoting Core & Applied AI Research in critical and cross-sectoral areas
• Providing scale-up support to promising AI solutions
• Creating strong governance mechanisms for ensuring Responsible AI innovation