KEY POINTS
- India is using AI and DPI to transform governance.
- AI-driven services like Aadhaar and UPI are improving accessibility.
- GovAI will enhance decision-making for better efficiency and equity.
As India steps confidently into its future with the ambitious vision of a “Viksit Bharat@2047” (Developed India by 2047), the nation is embracing technology as a driving force for transformative governance. Two powerful elements, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), are coming together to redefine the way the government serves its people, making services more accessible, efficient, and responsive. India is not merely following in the footsteps of the West; it is creating a new, inclusive, and ethical model for public service and economic empowerment, one that is uniquely suited to the diverse needs of over a billion citizens.
The Cornerstone: Aadhaar and India’s Digital Public Infrastructure
At the heart of India’s technological revolution lies Aadhaar, the world’s largest biometric-based identification system. Created under the visionary leadership of technocrats like Nandan Nilekani and R.S. Sharma, Aadhaar laid the foundation for India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). Initially designed as an identity program, Aadhaar has now evolved into a comprehensive digital identity platform that powers various services, ranging from financial inclusion to healthcare and education.
With open APIs, Aadhaar is the backbone of India’s digital ecosystem, enabling platforms like UPI (Unified Payments Interface), DigiLocker, and e-KYC to work seamlessly across sectors. This inclusive and scalable digital infrastructure has ensured that services reach even the remotest parts of the country, empowering citizens and enhancing their access to essential services.
India’s approach to integrating AI with DPI is a game-changer. As Nandan Nilekani puts it, “AI makes DPI better.” The combination of India’s established digital infrastructure with AI is poised to revolutionize governance. While AI is often seen as a futuristic tool, India’s focus is on using AI in practical, outcome-driven ways to solve real-world problems.
AI is already improving public service delivery in several key areas. For example, chatbots powered by AI are now available in local languages to help citizens access services. In agriculture, AI is being used for predictive analytics to forecast weather patterns and crop yields. Disaster management systems are also being enhanced with AI to provide real-time alerts and evacuation plans. These are not futuristic concepts—they are already making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
One of the key elements of India’s AI strategy is its emphasis on ethical AI. Unlike the Western model, which often focuses on profit-driven AI, India is committed to ensuring that AI works for the people. The government’s AI policy prioritizes transparency, accountability, and fairness. With the introduction of Safe & Trusted AI frameworks, the government is ensuring that AI is used responsibly, particularly when it comes to sensitive areas like health and welfare.
The challenge lies in earning public trust, especially when AI systems often operate as “black boxes” with decisions that are difficult to explain. India is taking a cautious approach to AI adoption, ensuring that technology is implemented iteratively and with a focus on human-centered outcomes.
India’s ambition is not just to adopt AI but to implement it at a population scale, making it affordable and accessible to every citizen. This is where India’s challenges lie. Rural areas still face connectivity issues, and many public sector institutions are not yet equipped to handle the integration of AI. Data fragmentation, cybersecurity threats, and a shortage of skilled professionals pose further hurdles. However, the country is addressing these issues through initiatives like the INDIAai Mission, a Rs 10,300 crore project aimed at expanding AI infrastructure, research, and skill development. The creation of state-specific AI research centers and open-source Indian language models is also breaking down barriers, making AI more inclusive and relevant to India’s diverse population.
AI for Bharat: The Power of Local Languages and Solutions
India’s strength lies in its multilingual and diverse culture, and AI is being adapted to meet the needs of local communities. With over 22 official languages and hundreds of dialects, AI models built in English alone cannot serve the entire population. India is leading the world in adapting AI for local languages, making it more inclusive and accessible. For instance, AI-powered platforms are now available in multiple languages, allowing citizens from rural areas to interact with government services more easily.
Startups across India are building AI solutions tailored to specific local needs, whether in agriculture, healthcare, or education, proving that innovation can be truly inclusive. These locally relevant AI solutions are helping bridge the digital divide, ensuring that no one is left behind.
India’s next leap in governance is “GovAI”, an intelligent, AI-powered model of public administration. While DPI democratized access to services, GovAI aims to make these services smarter, more predictive, and efficient. By combining AI with DPI, India is creating a new governance operating system that is faster, fairer, and more accountable. This system is already being implemented through initiatives like the India Datasets platform and Bhashini for multilingual AI, which are helping make AI-driven governance a reality.
As the Chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), India is setting a global example of how AI can be integrated into democratic systems, ensuring that technology serves the public good, not just corporate interests.
To realize the full potential of GovAI, India must continue to strengthen its AI infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. Investments in rural computing, cloud infrastructure, and reliable connectivity are essential to ensure that AI reaches all corners of the country. The government must also focus on unifying and cleaning data to train AI ethically and securely. A smart legal framework for AI, aligned with global standards but tailored to Indian realities, will be crucial to protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring fair AI deployment. Furthermore, expanding AI literacy beyond urban areas into schools and local governance structures will help democratize access to technology and build a skilled workforce.
India’s journey from Digital India to Intelligent India is a testament to how technology can serve democracy, equity, and development. By combining DPI with AI, India is not just catching up with the world; it is charting a new course for inclusive, scalable, and ethical governance. The vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 is not just a dream, it is becoming a reality.
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