Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the candidate of the BJP-led NDA in Thiruvananthapuram, recently announced the establishment of 10 Artificial Intelligence Labs in 10 colleges within the constituency.

These labs will be operated with the technical help of a 'Global AI giant', the Minister told a press conference.

"We have applications from 17 colleges, and as a first phase, AI labs will be allocated to 10 of them. The names are yet to be finalised," Chandrasekhar said.

He said these labs are allotted under the new India AI Mission.

India is planning to establish a comprehensive AI ecosystem, which is expected to cost Rs 10,361 crore.

Chandrasekhar said that to boost startups in AI, Rs 2,000 crore has been earmarked.

Reacting to queries on why he has chosen to award ten labs to colleges in Thiruvananthapuram, Chandrasekhar, hinting at his candidature in the constituency, said he now obviously has a reason to give to colleges in the Kerala capital.

"I have a reason to start here. I have come here to represent Thiruvananthapuram," said the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Electronics and Information Technology and Jal Shakti.

He said there is nothing unethical in using the government machinery to announce the projects for Thiruvananthapuram, as he is happy to do it for the people of Thiruvananthapuram.

Moreover, he said the number of AI labs will not be restricted, and in the next five years, any college that wants one will have one with government support.

"I said I am starting it, not ending it. I believe such labs will spread all across Kerala and across India," he added.

The MoS said the name of the global AI giant will be revealed when he feels it is time to do so.

"It is not just the Government of India, but a collaboration with the Government of India with a global AI giant," Chandrasekhar added.