AI for India 2.0 Programme

The AI for India 2.0 Programme was launched in 2023 on World Youth Skills Day with a strong focus on empowering young Indians, especially from rural and non-English-speaking backgrounds, by providing free online training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).

Key Objectives & Components:

1. Free Online Training:

   • The program offers free online training in AI and Machine Learning to college students, fresh graduates, and early-career professionals.

2. Vernacular Accessibility:

   • A major highlight of this initiative is its special focus on vernacular accessibility, with content available in nine Indian languages such as Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada, making it more inclusive for individuals from various linguistic backgrounds.

3. Target Audience:

   • The program primarily targets students from rural areas and non-English-speaking backgrounds, aiming to democratize access to cutting-edge tech education.

4. Tech Platform for Learning:

   • The program is delivered through a tech-enabled platform that offers expert-curated Python courses tailored to the needs of the youth.

5. National Accreditation:

   • The online courses offered through this initiative are nationally accredited, holding recognition from NCVET (National Council for Vocational Education and Training) and IIT Madras.

6. Vernacular Language Focus:

   • GUVI (Grab Ur Vernacular Imprint), an IIT Madras and IIM Ahmedabad-incubated ed-tech company, is the key partner in the initiative. GUVI's focus is to make AI and Machine Learning skills accessible to a wider audience by offering courses in various vernacular languages, which is a significant step in making tech education more inclusive in India.

Impact and Aim:

• Empowering Youth: The programme aims to empower youth by providing them with the skills to thrive in the AI-driven job market, especially for those who might have had limited access to tech education due to language or geographical barriers.

• Creating a Tech-Savvy Workforce: By equipping young individuals with practical, high-demand skills like Python programming, the initiative plays a crucial role in building a future-ready workforce in India.

• Focus on Rural and Non-English-Speaking Youth: The initiative ensures that rural youth and individuals from non-English-speaking backgrounds can also engage with and excel in technology education.

Conclusion:

The AI for India 2.0 Programme is an important step towards making Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning education more accessible and inclusive, especially for youth in rural India. By focusing on vernacular languages and offering nationally accredited courses, the initiative helps bridge the digital divide and equips young individuals with skills that are essential for thriving in the modern job market.