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Artificial Intelligence (AI) education has been gaining significant momentum in India in recent years. The government of India has also recognized the importance of AI education and has taken several initiatives to promote it.

One of the major initiatives is the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes the integration of AI and emerging technologies into the education system. The policy aims to introduce AI and coding as a part of the school curriculum from an early age to equip students with the skills required for the future workforce.

Several universities and institutes in India have started offering specialized courses in AI and related fields. Apart from the academic institutions, several private players are also contributing to AI education in India.

The Government of India has taken several initiatives to improve the development and adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India. Here are some of the key efforts:

1. National AI Strategy: In 2018, the government launched a national AI strategy to position India as a leader in AI research and development. The strategy aims to promote the development of AI-based solutions in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and smart cities.

2. AI-focused Centres of Excellence: The government has set up several AI-focused centres of excellence, such as the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, to promote research and development in AI.

Here are some of the notable AI-focused CoEs in India:

• National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAR): NCAR was established in Bangalore in 1986 and is the first CoE in India for AI and robotics. It focuses on research and development in AI, robotics, and related areas.
• Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics (CoeAI&DA): CoeAI&DA was established in Hyderabad in 2018 and is a joint initiative of the government of Telangana and the NASSCOM Center of Excellence. It focuses on research and development in AI, data analytics, and related areas.
• Centre of Excellence in AI and Machine Learning (CoE-AIML): CoE-AIML is a joint initiative of the government of Karnataka and NASSCOM Center of Excellence for IoT. It is based in Bangalore and focuses on research and development in AI, machine learning, and related areas.
• Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) CoEs: Several IITs in India have established AI-focused CoEs to promote research and development in AI and related fields. For example, IIT Delhi has established a Centre for Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, while IIT Kharagpur has set up a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence.
• International Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) CoEs: IIIT Hyderabad and IIIT Bangalore have established CoEs in AI and related fields. These CoEs focus on research and development in AI, machine learning, and related areas.

3. Skill Development: The government has launched several programs to develop AI skills among the workforce, including reskilling programs for existing employees and training programs for students like:

• National Program on Technology Enhanced Learning (NPTEL): The NPTEL is a joint initiative of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) to provide free online courses in various engineering, science, and humanities subjects. The NPTEL has incorporated AI-based techniques, such as machine learning algorithms, to personalize the learning experience for the learners.
• Skill India Mission: The Skill India Mission is a flagship program of the Indian government to provide skill development training to the Indian youth. The government is leveraging AI to develop AI-based skill development platforms that provide personalized training and assessments.
• AI-based Assessment Tools: The government is developing AI-based assessment tools to evaluate the skills of the workforce. These tools use machine learning algorithms to analyze the performance data and provide feedback to the learners.
• AI-based Vocational Training: The government is using AI-based techniques, such as virtual reality and simulation, to provide vocational training to the workforce. These techniques provide a realistic and immersive training experience to the learners.

4. AI-based solutions for public services: The government is leveraging AI to improve public services in areas such as healthcare, education, and transportation. For example,

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has developed an AI-based chatbot called 'Aarogya Setu Interactive Voice Response System' to provide COVID-19 related information to citizens. The government is also using AI-based image analysis tools to improve medical diagnostics.
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has developed an AI-based app called 'Kisan Suvidha' that provides farmers with information on weather, market prices, and crop advisory.
• The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has developed an AI-based system called 'Advanced Traffic Management System' to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion.
• National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has developed an AI-based software called 'Diksha' that provides digital resources for teachers and students
• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has developed an AI-based platform called 'UMANG' that provides citizens with a single platform to access various government services.

5. Funding support: The government has also set up funds, such as,

• National Program on AI: In 2018, the government launched the National Program on AI to support the development and adoption of AI technologies in India. The program has a budget of Rs. 3,000 crore ($430 million) and aims to establish India as a global AI leader.
• Atal Innovation Mission: The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) is a flagship initiative of the government to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. The mission has allocated Rs. 100 crore ($14 million) for the establishment of AI-focused incubators and accelerators.
• Department of Science and Technology: The Department of Science and Technology has set up a dedicated program for AI research and development. The program provides funding support to research institutions and startups working on AI technologies.
• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has launched several schemes to promote the adoption of AI in various sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, and education. The ministry provides funding support for pilot projects and proof-of-concept studies.
• NITI Aayog: The NITI Aayog, the government's policy think-tank, has set up an AI Task Force to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the adoption of AI technologies in the country. The task force has been allocated Rs. 7.5 crore ($1 million) to support its activities.

6. Collaboration: The government is promoting collaboration between industry, academia, and research institutions to facilitate the development and adoption of AI in India. Some notable activities are mentioned below,

• National Programme on AI: The National Programme on AI, launched in 2018, is a collaborative effort between the government, academia, and industry. The program aims to establish India as a global AI leader by fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders.
• Collaborative Research in AI: The Department of Science and Technology has established collaborative research programs with several institutions and organizations, including the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and the Tata Trusts. These collaborations aim to promote research and development in AI and foster innovation.
• AI for All: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has launched the 'AI for All' initiative, which aims to make AI accessible to all citizens, regardless of their background or education level. The initiative involves collaborations with various organizations, including educational institutions, to provide training and capacity building in AI.
• International Collaboration: The Government of India has been collaborating with international organizations such as the World Economic Forum and the International Telecommunication Union to develop policies and frameworks for the ethical and responsible use of AI technologies.
• Startup Collaboration: The Government of India has been collaborating with startups and incubators to promote innovation in AI. The Atal Innovation Mission has established AI-focused incubators and accelerators to provide startups with mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities.

The Government of India is taking a proactive approach to improve the development and adoption of AI in India through various initiatives. These efforts are expected to create a conducive environment for AI innovation and contribute to the growth of the AI ecosystem in India.