"Technology is evolving at such a fast pace that very soon artificial intelligence will dominate our way of life."
Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi
"Indian Agriculture department's AI algorithms come up with their yearly list of region-wise best recommend crops to be taken this year."
— A future headline from an AI-enabled India.
The Journey So Far
India's journey in AI began in 1986 with the launch of the Knowledge-Based Computing Systems (KBCS) program in partnership with the United Nations Development Program. Despite facing numerous challenges like lack of funding, infrastructure, and awareness, significant progress has been made.
The Private Sector
Today, around 3,000 private companies, including 2,049 startups, are working in AI in India. The Indian AI industry, valued at $415 million in 2019, is expected to grow at a rate of 200-250% per year. Many startups have attracted multimillion-dollar investments from domestic and international sources.
The Government Sector
The Indian government has taken significant steps towards AI adoption:
National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (NSAI): Launched by NITI Aayog in June 2018.
AIRAWAT: A cloud-based framework for AI research worth Rs. 7,500 crore.
INDIAai: A national portal for AI-related developments.
Cyber-Physical Systems Mission: Approved with a budget of Rs. 3,660 crore to leverage technologies like AI, IoT, and big data.
Speech-to-Speech Translation Project: Planned with a budget of Rs. 400-500 crore.
Education Initiatives: CBSE teamed up with Microsoft for tech skills development.
Defense and Anti-Corruption: AI is being implemented in weapon systems and government bookkeeping.
Future of AI in India
Although India started later than some developed countries, the future looks promising. AI is expected to boost India's innovation rate by 230% in the next two years and could add nearly $1 trillion to the economy by 2035. The Union Cabinet's cyber-physical systems mission is projected to create 40,000 jobs in the short term and 200,000 in the long term.
The Workforce
By 2019, around 72,000 professionals were employed in AI, up from 40,000 in 2018. However, the demand for AI professionals still exceeds supply, with 2,500 positions remaining unfilled in 2019. India's top institutes offer quality AI education, but more institutions are needed to meet the growing demand.
Challenges in AI Development
India faces several challenges in its AI journey:
Data Availability: High-quality data is essential for AI, but India lacks an institutional mechanism to maintain it.
High Cost of Failure: AI advancements require expensive research and experiments.
Low Awareness: Government agencies and businesses are often hesitant to adopt AI due to a lack of understanding.
Infrastructure: India's cloud infrastructure needs improvement to support AI operations.
Overcoming Obstacles
To overcome these challenges:
Data Quality: Ensure a regulated inflow of high-quality data through projects like AIRAWAT.
Collaboration: Foster partnerships between the private sector and the government.
Awareness: Increase awareness of AI's benefits through workshops, conferences, and demonstrations.
Conclusion
India's journey towards becoming an AI-enabled nation has begun, and the path ahead is full of opportunities. By empowering young AI enthusiasts with education and opportunities, India can overcome its challenges and achieve its AI dreams. Just as India succeeded in its space missions, the dream of a truly AI-enabled India is within reach.
Believing in our capabilities and hoping for the best, we look forward to the day when the Indian Agriculture department's AI algorithms become a reality.
References:
https://indiaai.in/
https://niti.gov.in/national-strategy-artificial-intelligence
https://m.economictimes.com/news/economy/policy/niti-aayog-proposes-rs-7500-crore-plan-for-artificial-intelligence-push/amp_articleshow/69403255.cms
https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1554936
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/ai-in-demand-but-2-500-jobs-remained-vacant-in-2019-says-report/amp-11577358818915.html
