Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a massive AI skilling programme to train one crore young Indians over the next year. The initiative aims to help Indian youth become leaders in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Highlights
- Government plans to provide AI skills training to 1 crore youth within one year.
- PM Modi announced the initiative during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort.
- The programme represents a major expansion of India’s existing AI skilling efforts.
- Modi highlighted job opportunities in AI, aviation, green mobility, bioeconomy and sports.
- A nationwide talent hunt will identify sporting talent among children aged 5-15 years.
- Social security coverage has increased from 25 crore people before 2014 to 100 crore, according to Modi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced a major artificial intelligence skilling initiative under which one crore young people will be trained in AI skills over the next one year.
The Prime Minister made the announcement during his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Saturday. The initiative is part of the government’s broader focus on preparing young Indians for emerging technologies and creating new employment opportunities as India works towards the Viksit Bharat goal.
Modi said the government has decided to provide AI skills training to 10 million, or one crore, youth so that young Indians can emerge as leaders in artificial intelligence.
The proposed programme would mark a significant expansion of the government’s existing AI skilling initiatives. As of June 30, 53,449 candidates had enrolled in AI-related job roles under PMKVY 4.0, while 25,466 had received certification, according to a parliamentary reply cited in the report.
The Prime Minister said young people would be among the biggest beneficiaries of India’s development initiatives. He highlighted programmes such as Startup India, Skill India, Khelo India and the National Education Policy, along with the opening of the space sector, as measures that have created new opportunities.
Modi also pointed to emerging sectors such as the bioeconomy and electric vehicles as potential sources of employment.
The expansion of India’s aviation sector is another area expected to create demand for skilled workers. New airports and routes could generate opportunities in specialised areas, including aircraft maintenance and overhaul.
Sports was another key area highlighted in the address. Modi said employment opportunities in sports now extend beyond becoming an athlete and include coaching, sports medicine, nutrition and infrastructure.
He also announced a nationwide talent hunt for children between five and 15 years of age across villages, cities and schools. Identified sporting talent would receive specialised training, with the initiative aimed at strengthening India’s competitiveness and participation in the 2036 Olympics.
The announcements underline the government’s effort to align skills and employment opportunities with rapidly growing sectors such as AI, technology, aviation, sports and green mobility.
