Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Saturday a plan to train ten million young people in Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills over the next year. This initiative underscores the priority of youth training within the government's drive to build a developed India.
Speaking at the Independence Day celebration from the Red Fort, Modi stated: 'We have decided that next year we will train 10 million young people in AI skills so that our youth can become leaders in the field of AI.'
The scale of the proposed program represents a significant expansion of existing government efforts to upskill in AI. According to a parliamentary reply, as of June 30, 53,449 candidates registered for AI-related positions under the PMKVY 4.0 program, of which only 25,466 received certificates. The Ministry of Skill Development informed Lok Sabha that the government has not yet conducted a specific assessment of AI skill demand or shortage of trained workers.
Modi noted that the youth will be the primary beneficiaries of initiatives aimed at achieving the Viksit Bharat goal and called for making youth the center of the development agenda. He mentioned initiatives such as Startup India, Skill India, the opening of the space sector, Khelo India, and the National Education Policy, which have created new opportunities for the youth. Furthermore, he reported that the growth of sectors like bioeconomy and electric vehicles has opened new avenues for employment.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the expansion of the aviation sector, including new routes and airports, which creates a need for skilled manpower in areas such as aircraft maintenance and overhaul.
Regarding sports, Modi stated that opportunities extend beyond just being an athlete; Khelo India games, university and winter games, sports infrastructure, coaching, sports medicine, and sports nutrition open up new employment avenues. He also announced a nationwide talent search among children aged five to fifteen from villages, towns, and schools. The goal of this program is to identify sporting abilities and provide specialized training to enhance India's competitiveness and participation in the 2036 Olympics.
Additionally, Modi highlighted the expansion of social security coverage, noting that the number of covered people has increased from 25 crore to 100 crore over the last decade. These announcements align with the government's efforts to harmonize skilling and employment policies with developing sectors such as AI, technology, green mobility, aviation, and sports, while expanding opportunities for youth beyond traditional career paths.
