The Indian government announced a major initiative to offer free artificial intelligence (AI) training to over 5.5 lakh village-level entrepreneurs (VLEs) who operate Common Service Centres (CSCs) across the country. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed this during the 10th anniversary celebration of the CSC Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), emphasizing the government’s commitment to empowering grassroots entrepreneurs with advanced digital skills.
This training program will be delivered as part of the broader IndiaAI Mission, which aims to skill around 10 lakh individuals in AI technologies nationwide. “All of you will be given AI training for free. We have set a target under the IndiaAI Mission to skill around 10 lakh people. All 5.5 lakh VLEs will be given preference in that training,” Vaishnaw stated, highlighting the priority given to village entrepreneurs in this transformative learning effort.
Common Service Centres serve as vital hubs for delivering digital services in rural areas, making the upskilling of VLEs crucial to accelerating digital literacy and adoption at the grassroots level. By equipping them with AI knowledge, the government hopes to expand the reach and effectiveness of digital services in villages, fostering inclusive growth.
In parallel, the July–August edition of The Indian Dream magazine explores India’s future across multiple emerging sectors including SpaceTech, electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy, and defence. The edition features innovative startups such as AgniKul, Garuda Aerospace, ePlane, and BatX, spotlighting their role in shaping a self-reliant India driven by cutting-edge technology and homegrown innovation.
With this AI training initiative and a growing ecosystem of visionary startups, India is laying the foundation to become a global leader in digital and technological advancements, especially at the grassroots level. The government’s focus on skill development reflects its broader ambition to integrate AI into the country’s socio-economic fabric, preparing millions for the opportunities of the future.