In a report in the Indian Express, the ministry may use AI on a trial basis for certain welfare and scholarship programmes that it oversees. A national AI implementation plan is in the works to be released after. In addition, the ministry is also expected to push for ‘judicious’ use of AI and create jobs.

In October, MeitY was hoping for a Cabinet nod on use of AI in implementation of certain government-run programmes, but the plan was deferred after some ministries raised objections.

About 150 job options where AI could be used have been shortlisted. Concerns over job losses have been highlighted and being worked on, according to a senior government official. Judicious use of AI has been encouraged by highly senior government officials, following a speech made by PM Modi earlier this year during RAISE 2020 where he stressed on the responsible use of technology like AI, which is so empowering and easily accessible.

“It remains our collective responsibility to ensure trust in how AI is used. Algorithm transparency is key to establishing this trust. Equally important is accountability. We must protect the world against weaponisation of AI by non-state actors,” the Prime Minister had then said.

The IT Ministry had last year in July constituted four committees on AI and its various aspects, such as buildings, models and frameworks, and use of the technology for identifying and implementing critical national missions in key sectors. Two committees had also looked at the ethical aspects around the use of AI and the various methods of re-skilling or up-skilling the workforce so as to better understand the technology.