10 Lakh Citizens to Receive Free AI Training: Priority for Village Level Entrepreneurs

The Government of India has announced a nationwide initiative to train 10 lakh citizens in Artificial Intelligence at no cost. Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) will be given priority under this initiative, reinforcing the role of Common Service Centres (CSCs) in India’s digital transformation journey.

Free AI Training to Empower 10 Lakh Citizens Across India

At a grand event in New Delhi, Union Minister for Electronics & IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, launched a programme offering free AI training to 10 lakh individuals. Focused on enabling digital empowerment, this move prioritises VLEs operating CSCs, particularly those in rural and remote regions. These trained VLEs will then transfer AI literacy among local youth, farmers, and small business owners.

Village Level Entrepreneurs at the Core of Digital Expansion

VLEs have been instrumental in delivering Digital India services to the remotest corners of the country. Currently, CSCs operate in over 5.5 lakh locations, up from 83,000 in 2014. With more than 74,000 women VLEs, these change agents offer services such as Aadhaar updates, banking, telemedicine, and education. Empowering them with AI training marks a significant step toward inclusive digital transformation.

Integrating IRCTC and State Services into CSC Network

To broaden CSC offerings, VLEs have been encouraged to offer railway ticket services via IRCTC. Additionally, coordination with state governments is underway to integrate regional IT services with the CSC-SPV network. This collaboration aims to diversify income sources for VLEs and enhance service reach to citizens.

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10 Years of Digital India: A Decade of Transformation

Launched in 2015, the Digital India mission has propelled India into becoming the world’s third-largest digital economy. The CSC model has evolved over the past decade into a backbone of this transformation, enabling G2C and B2B services at citizens’ doorsteps and promoting socio-economic growth in underserved areas.

Conclusion

The Government’s AI training initiative reinforces its commitment to inclusive digital development. By prioritising VLEs, the programme not only empowers rural entrepreneurs but also ensures AI-driven services reach every corner of the nation, instrumental in realising a truly developed India.

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