'AI for All': Democratising Artificial Intelligence for Inclusive Growth
Abhinav Srivastava
The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit 2024, held on December 3-4, 2024, at the Palace of Serbia, Belgrade, brought together global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to deliberate on the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The event underscored pivotal themes such as ethical AI, international cooperation, and leveraging AI for societal good. Amidst this global discourse, Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Commerce and Industry; Electronics and Information Technology, delivered India's vision for harnessing AI as a tool for inclusivity, sustainable growth, and equitable progress, particularly for the Global South.
India's Adaptive AI Journey: A Vision of 'AI for All'
In his address Shri Prasada highlighted India's strategic approach under the IndiaAI Mission, a $1.2 billion initiative aimed at democratising AI access, improving data quality, and fostering indigenous capabilities. The mission is anchored in the principle of 'AI for All', ensuring AI- driven solutions are accessible and beneficial to all sections of society, from urban centers to the remotest villages.
India's commitment to harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for societal benefit is reflected in transformative initiatives spanning healthcare, agriculture, and governance. In healthcare, AI-powered tools are enhancing access to medical services in rural areas, enabling early detection of critical diseases such as tuberculosis and cancer. In agriculture, AI-driven solutions like the KISAN e- Mitra chatbot provide farmers with real-time advice, helping optimise crop yields and resource use. Meanwhile, in governance, India's success with Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), exemplified by platforms such as Aadhaar and UPI, showcases how scalable and inclusive systems can effectively bridge socio-economic divides, driving equitable progress across the nation.
Societal Impacts of AI: Bridging Divides and Driving Growth
AI's societal implications span multiple dimensions, including economic growth, education, healthcare, and governance. India's adaptive and ethical AI ecosystem is transforming lives and reshaping societal structures:
Economic Empowerment: Artificial Intelligence (AI) is driving transformative economic growth by fostering innovation, creating jobs, and promoting economic inclusion. Initiatives such as FutureSkills Prime have played a pivotal role in upskilling over 3.3 lakh individuals in AI-related fields, preparing the workforce to excel in an AI- driven economy. Moreover, India has emerged as the fastest- growing AI talent hub globally, securing the top rank in AI skill penetration according to the Stanford AI Index 2024. The surge in AI start-ups, coupled with a gender-inclusive growth trajectory- evidenced by women achieving an impressive
1.7 penetration rate-underscores the nation's dedication to economic empowerment through technological advancement.
Transforming Healthcare: AI is addressing some of India's most significant healthcare challenges by enabling innovations in diagnostics, telemedicine, and public health analytics. Partnerships such as the collaboration between the National Health Authority (NHA) and IIT Kanpur under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission are pioneering AI- driven public health solutions. These advancements enhance early disease detection, optimise resource allocation, and expand access to quality healthcare, heralding a new era of healthcare transformation across the country.
AI in Education: The integration of AI into education is revolutionising the way India prepares its youth and workforce for the future. Initiatives such as IIT Madras's online AI courses for school students and YuvAI programmes are nurturing a new generation of tech-savvy talent. Generative AI tools, such as the Shiksha Co- Pilot in Karnataka, are reshaping teacher training by improving lesson delivery and student learning outcomes. These developments reflect India's commitment to upskilling its population and ensuring readiness for the demands of a technology- driven world.
AI-Driven Agricultural and Rural Development: In the agricultural sector, AI is playing a crucial role in boosting productivity and improving livelihoods. Technologies such as predictive analytics and AI- enabled chatbots are empowering farmers to make informed decisions, optimise resource usage, and maximise yields. By addressing critical challenges in agriculture- dependent regions, AI is contributing to rural development and promoting sustainable growth, helping to bridge the urban-rural divide.
Enhancing Governance and Public Services: AI is transforming governance and public service delivery by enhancing efficiency, transparency, and citizen engagement. States such as Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are leveraging generative AI models to streamline e-governance and urban planning processes. These innovative applications of AI not only improve decision- making but also ensure that public services are more accessible and equitable, further cementing India's position as a leader in technology-driven governance.
Concerns over AI's Societal Impact
While AI offers immense potential, it also raises significant concerns that must be addressed to ensure equitable progress:
Impact on Jobs and the Workforce: The rise of AI- driven automation poses a significant challenge to traditional job markets, particularly in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, and customer service, where routine tasks are increasingly automated. This shift creates an urgent need for reskilling and upskilling workers to prepare them for emerging roles in AI, data science, and related fields. Recognising this, India has introduced initiatives such as FutureSkills Prime, which aim to provide accessible and affordable training in AI- related domains. By equipping the workforce with the skills needed for the future, India seeks to mitigate job displacement while fostering a more adaptable and competitive workforce.
Addressing Gender Inequality in AI: Despite notable progress, such as a 1.7 penetration rate in AI skills for women, gender disparities remain a significant challenge, particularly in leadership positions and advanced AI research. These gaps highlight the importance of promoting STEM education for girls and creating opportunities that ensure women's representation in AI- driven industries. Achieving gender parity is not only a matter of fairness but also a critical factor for fostering inclusive growth and innovation in the rapidly expanding AI landscape.
Tackling Ethical Concerns and Bias in AI: AI systems are often susceptible to algorithmic biases that reflect societal prejudices embedded in their training data. Such biases can perpetuate inequalities related to gender, race, or socio-economic status, raising ethical concerns about the deployment of AI technologies. India has taken a leadership role in addressing these issues through ethical AI governance frameworks, as exemplified by its contributions to the G20 Digital Public Infrastructure. These frameworks emphasise fairness, accountability, and inclusivity, ensuring that AI technologies serve society equitably and ethically.
Ensuring Data Privacy and Security: As AI technologies become more integrated into daily life, safeguarding data privacy has emerged as a critical challenge. Citizens' sensitive information must be protected through robust regulations and frameworks for data governance. Developing strong policies that strike a balance between innovation and privacy protection is essential for maintaining public trust in AI systems. India's commitment to building secure digital ecosystems is a crucial step in addressing these concerns and ensuring responsible AI adoption.
Bridging the Gap to Address Social Inequality: The rapid advancement of AI risks exacerbating social inequality if access to AI technologies remains concentrated in urban, affluent areas. This digital divide can leave rural and economically disadvantaged communities behind, further entrenching disparities. Bridging this gap through initiatives like India's Digital Public Infrastructure is vital for ensuring inclusive development. By democratising access to AI tools and resources, India can enable all citizens to benefit from the transformative potential of AI, fostering equitable progress across the nation.
Conclusion
The societal impacts of AI are profound and far- reaching, and India's adaptive approach offers a hopeful vision for a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future. Through initiatives like the IndiaAI Mission and its leadership in global platforms like GPAI, India is setting the stage for AI to serve as a bridge-connecting aspirations, addressing disparities, and unlocking opportunities for all. As AI continues to reshape societies, India's emphasis on ethical governance and equitable growth serves as an inspiring example for the world to follow. The future of AI lies not just in its algorithms and data but in its ability to uplift humanity, foster collaboration, and create a better tomorrow for all.
The IndiaAI Mission, launched by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, is structured around seven key pillars to foster a robust AI ecosystem in India:
Pillar Description
IndiaAI Compute Capacity Focusses on building a scalable AI computing infra-
structure by deploying over 10,000 Graphics Pro-
cessing Units (GPUs) through public-private partner-
ships. An AI marketplace will also be established to
offer AI services and pre-trained models to innovators.
IndiaAI Innovation Centre Aims to develop and deploy indigenous Large Multi-
modal Models (LMMs) and domain-specific founda-
tional models in critical sectors, enhancing India's
self-reliance in AI technologies.
IndiaAI Datasets Platform Seeks to streamline access to high-quality non-
personal datasets, providing a unified platform for
start-ups and researchers to facilitate AI innovation.
IndiaAI Application Promotes the development, scaling, and adoption of
Development Initiative impactful AI solutions targeting problem statements
from various governmental sectors, aiming for large-
scale socio-economic transformation.
IndiaAI FutureSkills Intends to expand AI education by increasing AI
courses at undergraduate, master's, and Ph.D.
levels, and establishing Data and AI Labs in Tier 2
and Tier 3 cities to build an AI-ready workforce.
IndiaAI Start-up Financing Designed to support and accelerate deep-tech AI
start-ups by providing streamlined access to funding,
enabling the execution of futuristic AI projects.
Safe & Trusted AI Focusses on ensuring responsible AI development
and usage by implementing 'Responsible AI' projects,
including the development of indigenous tools, frame-
works, self-assessment checklists for innovators, and
governance guidelines.
FutureSkills Prime
FutureSkills Prime is a pioneering digital skilling initiative jointly developed by NASSCOM and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Its primary objective is to transform India into a digitally proficient nation by equipping learners with essential skills required in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Key Features:
l Comprehensive Course Offerings: The platform provides a wide array of courses and pathways in high- demand technology areas, including Artificial Intelligence, Big Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, and more. These courses are designed to align with National Occupational Standards (NOS) and the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), ensuring that learners acquire skills that are highly valued by employers.
l Industry-Backed Certifications: FutureSkills Prime offers NASSCOM- certified programmes that enhance employability by validating the learner's expertise in specific technology domains. These certifications are recognised across the industry, providing a competitive edge in the job market.
l Experiential Project-Based Learning (ePBL): To build industry-ready skills, the platform incorporates experiential learning through projects that simulate real-world challenges. This hands- on approach enables learners to apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
l Incentive Programmes: The Government of India offers incentives upon course completion, making digital skilling more accessible and affordable for a diverse range of learners. This initiative encourages continuous learning and skill development across the nation.
l Talent Connect Portal: FutureSkills Prime facilitates internships and job opportunities through its Talent Connect Portal, bridging the gap between skilled professionals and industry requirements. This feature aids in seamless career transitions and placements for learners.
Impact and Reach:
Since its inception, FutureSkills Prime has made significant strides in empowering learners:
l Over 2 Million Registered Users: The platform has attracted a vast number of learners, reflecting its widespread acceptance and the growing demand for digital skills.
l Extensive Course Enrolments: With numerous enrolments across various courses, learners are actively engaging in upskilling and reskilling to stay relevant in the digital economy.
l Diverse Demographic Participation: FutureSkills Prime has reached learners in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, with a significant percentage of women participants, promoting inclusive growth and equal opportunities in the tech industry.
FutureSkills Prime offers a diverse range of courses and pathways across various technology domains to equip learners with in- demand skills. The available domains include:
l Artificial Intelligence
l Big Data Analytics
l Blockchain
l Cloud Computing
l Cybersecurity
l Generative AI
l Internet of Things
l Robotic Process Automation
l Semiconductors
l Virtual Reality
l Web & Mobile Development
l 3D Printing & Modeling
l Digital Marketing
l Data Science
l Machine Learning
l Python Programming
l SQL Fundamentals
l Power BI
l User Interface Design
l Sales Pro 4.0
l Leadership 4.0
l Human Resource 4.0
l Digital Entrepreneurship
l Customer Service
l Future of Technology
l Automation Business Analysis
l Master's in Data Science
(The author is a senior IT professional. Feedback can be sent to feedback.employmentnews@gmail.
com).
Views expressed are personal.