1 Million Indians to Get Free AI Training

New Delhi:

The Indian government has unveiled an ambitious initiative to deliver free Artificial Intelligence (AI) training to 10 lakh citizens, focusing primarily on Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) operating Common Service Centres. The announcement came during the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Digital India campaign, held at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in the national capital.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who oversees Railways, Electronics & Information Technology, and Information & Broadcasting, announced the plan, underscoring the vital role of VLEs. He said the government will train 5.5 lakh VLEs and extend the programme to reach 10 lakh individuals in total. The emphasis on grassroots-level entrepreneurs aims to bridge the digital divide and unlock new economic opportunities in rural India.

Addressing the audience, Vaishnaw lauded the contribution of VLEs: “VLE brothers and sisters across the country have set a remarkable example by delivering the benefits of Digital India to every citizen”. He highlighted success stories such as Manjulata Chattar from Mayurbhanj and Rose Angelina M. Kharsyntiew from Meghalaya, describing how these women are transforming underserved communities through digital empowerment.

The training is part of the IndiaAI Mission, which upholds the principle of inclusive AI and supports the broader AI for All vision. It seeks to equip rural entrepreneurs with skills in AI tools and applications, enhancing their services and income potential. Additionally, the initiative will encourage VLEs to integrate AI-based solutions such as IRCTC ticketing to improve their digital offerings.

This move builds on the Digital India campaign’s decade-long drive to reach villages with technology and digital services. VLEs now operate in nearly 90 per cent of India’s villages, underscoring the significance of their expanded skill set.

This free‑training drive aligns with similar initiatives by state governments. For instance, Uttar Pradesh’s AI‑Pragya scheme aims to educate 10 lakh citizens in AI, machine learning, data analytics and cybersecurity.

The government collaboration includes global technology giants such as Microsoft, Intel, HCL, Amazon and Google. These organisations will support the curriculum delivery and certification process to ensure participants gain meaningful, job‑related knowledge.

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment, as India seeks to harness AI’s power for inclusive growth. The national AI strategy, promoted by NITI Aayog, emphasises extending intelligent technology access to marginalised groups, thereby promoting economic equality and rural development.

By uplifting VLEs equipped with AI expertise, the government aims to create a ripple effect through rural ecosystems, empowering local businesses, improving agricultural productivity, and enhancing service delivery in health and education.

As training commences in coming weeks, government officials say it will include both online instruction and hands-on mentoring. VLEs who graduate will unlock new income channels by offering advanced digital services in their villages.

The free‑training project and its focus on rural entrepreneurship mark a milestone in India’s mission to democratise AI, ensuring technology empowers every citizen, regardless of their zip code.