Recently, the second-year anniversary of the National AI Portal was celebrated on 30th May, 2022. Launched in 2020, this portal is a joint effort championed by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), National e-Governance Division (NeGD) and NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Services Companies). Its primary aim is to build a robust AI infrastructure in India to propel growth in knowledge creation and economic progress.
National AI Portal – Objectives and Impact
The National AI Portal is designed to create and nurture an inclusive AI ecosystem in India. It seeks to develop a future-ready workforce that can effectively leverage AI and use it as a tool for economic growth. Over the past two years, the portal has launched numerous initiatives like lab2market, Women in AI Roundtable, AI patent report, Responsible AI handbook for startups, and the AI Standards. These efforts have significantly contributed towards shaping and nurturing the overall AI ecosystem in the country.
Understanding Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence (AI), at its core, pertains to machines carrying out tasks that traditionally need human intelligence. It involves techniques like machine learning, pattern recognition, big data analysis, neural networks, and self-learning algorithms. AI helps in processing large volumes of data and getting machines to react to dynamic situations, making it useful across diverse sectors, including finance and healthcare.
Obstacles Hindering AI Adoption in India
Despite its potential, several barriers prevent widespread AI adoption in India. Many companies lack a comprehensive understanding of the benefits AI can bring to their operations while the startup ecosystem is still undeveloped with limited investments in AI-driven ventures. Furthermore, there is a deficit of skilled talent proficient in advanced AI techniques such as deep learning and neural networks.
Current Utilization of AI in India
AI has found application in several areas such as MyGov’s COVID-19 response using an AI chatbot for communication management, legal research assistance in the judicial system through ‘SUPACE’, predicting farming times via an AI sowing app from ICRISAT, flood forecasting in disaster management and digitization push in the BFSI sector with a focus on improving customer experience and risk management.
Measures Taken to Encourage AI Application
India is taking significant steps towards integrating AI in various spheres. The National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (NITI Aayog, June 2018) aims at promoting AI for everyone while the New Education Policy (NEP, 2020) emphasizes incorporating AI into academic curriculums. Collaborative initiatives with global partners are also being explored, such as the US India Artificial Intelligence (USIAI) initiative and India’s inclusion as a founding member of the ‘Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI)’.
Suggested Steps for Promoting AI Adoption
Learning from global AI leaders like China, USA, and Israel can provide valuable insights. The formulation of policies related to innovation – including patent control and security, regulation against the malicious use of AI – can accelerate AI adoption. Collaboration between government, corporates and academia is crucial for fostering entrepreneurship, promoting up-skilling, encouraging research and development, and ensuring effective policy execution.
