Centre Launches Free AI Training for 10 Lakh Citizens, Prioritises Village Entrepreneurs

Highlighting India’s digital leap, he noted UPI usage surpassing Visa, and encouraged VLEs to offer IRCTC services to further empower citizens.



Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced free Artificial Intelligence (AI) training for 10 lakh Indian citizens, with special priority given to Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). The announcement was made during the celebrations of CSC Diwas in New Delhi, marking 10 years of the Digital India initiative.

The Minister lauded the remarkable growth of Common Service Centres (CSCs), which now reach nearly 90% of Indian villages, playing a critical role in delivering government and digital services to the rural population. By equipping citizens, especially VLEs, with AI skills, the government aims to create a digitally capable workforce ready to harness the power of emerging technologies.

The AI training initiative is designed to enhance digital literacy and job readiness, especially among rural entrepreneurs who act as key digital enablers in their communities. By empowering VLEs with AI knowledge, the government envisions the creation of smart, tech-savvy micro-entrepreneurs who can drive innovation and offer advanced services in remote areas.

During his speech, Vaishnaw highlighted India’s rapid strides in digital infrastructure and adoption. He cited the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) as a symbol of India’s fintech success, noting that UPI transactions have surpassed global players like Visa in usage. He also encouraged VLEs to start offering IRCTC train ticket booking services, further increasing their service portfolio and helping bridge digital gaps.

This move reflects the government’s broader strategy to make India a global leader in AI and digital transformation. By providing free access to AI education, especially in underserved areas, the initiative aims to democratize technology and open up new avenues for employment and entrepreneurship.