INDIA AI MISSION

GS3 -SCIENCE & TECH 

Overview of the IndiaAI Mission

• Key Goals:
  • Create a thriving AI innovation ecosystem through collaborations between the public and private sectors.
  • Set up over 10,000 Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to strengthen AI computational infrastructure.
  • Drive inclusive and responsible growth in the AI domain by enhancing data quality, democratizing access, and developing indigenous AI technologies.
• Ministry Involved: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) oversees the mission.
• Funding: Allocated over a five-year period via a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
• Implementing Body: The mission will be carried out by ‘IndiaAI,’ a specialized division under the Digital India Corporation.

 

Pillars of IndiaAI and Related Initiatives

1. AI in Governance:
   • Features initiatives like BHASHINI for multilingual language translation.
   • Integrates AI with Digital India and India Stack frameworks.
2. AI Compute & Systems:
   • Involves the AIRAWAT supercomputer, the National Supercomputing Mission, and the MeitY Quantum Computing Applications Lab.
3. Data for AI:
   • Includes programs like the Data Management Office, India Datasets Program, and India Data Platform to ensure robust data infrastructure.
4. AI, IP & Innovation:
   • Focuses on fostering innovation through the Centre of Excellence for AI, MeitY Start-up Hub, and the proposed National Centre on AI (NCAI).
5. AI Skilling Initiatives:
   • Covers programs such as Future Skills Prime, Responsible AI for Youth, and the RAISE initiative to upskill the workforce.

 

Emerging AI Applications in India

• Infrastructure Monitoring: AI supports inspection and monitoring tasks, as seen in the Bangalore Metro project.
• Virtual Assistants: Tools like Ola’s Krutrim provide multilingual support to users.
• Enhanced Governance: Applications like the Digital Sansad app and Kisan-eMitra chatbot improve public services.

 

Challenges in AI Adoption

1. Shortage of Skilled Talent: The demand for AI professionals is far greater than the supply, with an expected shortfall of one million professionals by 2026.
2. Job Market Disruptions: AI is predicted to displace 85 million jobs by 2025.
3. Infrastructure Gaps: The lack of advanced AI infrastructure and quality data hampers development.
4. Ethical Concerns: Risks include biased outcomes, misuse (e.g., deepfakes), and widening the digital divide.
5. Regulatory Issues: Defining clear regulations, ensuring transparency, and addressing the ‘black box’ nature of AI systems pose significant challenges.

 

Recommendations for Overcoming Challenges

• Education and Training: Integrate AI into academic curriculums and focus on skill enhancement.
• Workforce Upskilling: Encourage organizations to invest in upskilling employees to meet evolving AI demands.
• Support for Start-ups: Provide incentives for the development of indigenous AI solutions.
• Regulatory Frameworks: Develop AI governance policies aligned with national and international standards.

 

Conclusion

With a substantial investment of around ₹10,000 crore, the IndiaAI Mission aims to transform India’s AI landscape by fostering innovation and building robust infrastructure. Addressing key challenges such as skill shortages, regulatory clarity, and ethical concerns will be essential for its success.