ENA Economy 2025-07-17 14:43:22 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Jul 17 (KNN)</strong> 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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw made this announcement on Wednesday during the 10th anniversary celebrations of CSC SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle).</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The training initiative will be implemented under the government's IndiaAI Mission, which aims to provide AI skills training to 10 lakh people nationwide.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Minister Vaishnaw emphasised that all VLEs operating CSCs will receive priority access to this training program as part of the broader digital literacy initiative.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The VLEs argued that such integration would create enhanced income generation opportunities for their operations.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The VLEs also requested allocation of Aadhaar-related services at their centres, which would expand their service portfolio and revenue streams.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">These demands reflect the growing importance of CSCs in delivering government services to rural and semi-urban areas.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">He assured the VLEs that he would engage in discussions with state governments to explore the feasibility of such integration.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The CSC network has been instrumental in bridging the digital divide by providing various government and private services to citizens in remote areas.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 42843 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/economy/govt-to-provide-free-ai-training-to-common-service-centers 2025-07-17 14:43:22 knnindia.co.in