India has established an inter-ministerial committee to develop a comprehensive governance strategy for artificial intelligence (AI). The committee comprises representatives from key ministries and government agencies. It aims to coordinate AI policy, regulation, and implementation across sectors.
Committee Composition and Mandate
The body includes officials from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Home Affairs, and NITI Aayog. It is tasked with formulating guidelines on AI ethics, data privacy, and security. The committee will also oversee AI-related research and development initiatives.
Objectives and Strategic Focus
The strategy focuses on promoting responsible AI adoption in government and industry. It seeks to balance innovation with regulation to prevent misuse. The committee will address issues such as algorithmic transparency, bias mitigation, and accountability mechanisms.
Coordination and Implementation Mechanism
The body will facilitate inter-ministerial coordination to harmonise AI policies. It will monitor AI projects in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, and defence. The committee plans to engage with academia, industry stakeholders, and international partners for best practices.
Timeline and Deliverables
The committee is expected to submit a draft AI governance framework within six months. The framework will include regulatory guidelines, ethical standards, and capacity-building measures. Periodic reviews and updates will ensure alignment with technological advancements.
What to Study for UPSC Exams?
- AI Ethics and Regulation
- Data Privacy Laws in India
- Role of NITI Aayog in Technology Policy
- Government Innovation Frameworks
AI Ethics and Regulation
AI ethics involves principles like fairness, accountability, transparency, and privacy in AI system design and deployment. Regulation frameworks address bias mitigation and prevent harm from autonomous decisions. Globally, the EU’s GDPR influences AI governance by enforcing data protection and user consent standards.
Data Privacy Laws in India
India’s primary data privacy framework is the Information Technology Act, 2000, with rules on sensitive personal data. The Personal Data Protection Bill, pending enactment, aims to regulate data processing and establish a Data Protection Authority. India lacks a comprehensive, standalone data privacy law as of 2024.
Role of NITI Aayog in Technology Policy
NITI Aayog is India’s policy think tank, coordinating technology-driven development strategies. It formulates frameworks for AI adoption, innovation, and digital infrastructure. NITI Aayog launched the National AI Strategy in 2018, focusing on sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and education.
Government Innovation Frameworks
Government innovation frameworks include policies and initiatives to foster technology adoption and R&D in public sectors. Examples are India’s Digital India and Startup India programs. These frameworks encourage public-private partnerships, incubation centers, and regulatory sandboxes for emerging technologies.
Last Modified: April 17, 2026