Govt To Provide Free AI Training To Common Service Centers

New Delhi, Jul 17 (KNN) The central government announced plans to provide free artificial intelligence training to over 5.5 lakh Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) who operate Common Service Centres (CSCs) across the country.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made this announcement on Wednesday during the 10th anniversary celebrations of CSC SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle).

The training initiative will be implemented under the government's IndiaAI Mission, which aims to provide AI skills training to 10 lakh people nationwide.

Minister Vaishnaw emphasised that all VLEs operating CSCs will receive priority access to this training program as part of the broader digital literacy initiative.

During the anniversary event, Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada highlighted key demands from CSC VLEs, including the merger of state-based government service centres with CSCs.

The VLEs argued that such integration would create enhanced income generation opportunities for their operations.

The VLEs also requested allocation of Aadhaar-related services at their centres, which would expand their service portfolio and revenue streams.

These demands reflect the growing importance of CSCs in delivering government services to rural and semi-urban areas.

In response to these requests, Minister Vaishnaw directed CSC SPV to prepare comprehensive details regarding the potential merger of state-based service centres with the existing CSC network.

He assured the VLEs that he would engage in discussions with state governments to explore the feasibility of such integration.

The CSC network has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide by providing various government and private services to citizens in remote areas.

The proposed AI training program represents a significant step toward enhancing the technical capabilities of these grassroots entrepreneurs and strengthening India's digital infrastructure at the village level.

(KNN Bureau)