**Democratizing AI Should Be India's Priority, Says Andhra Pradesh Minister**
In a recent statement, Nara Lokesh, the Information and Technology Minister of Andhra Pradesh, emphasized the importance of democratizing artificial intelligence (AI) as a priority for India, the world’s most populous nation. Speaking with RT India, Lokesh outlined the vision for India's AI mission, which aims to leverage the technology for the benefit of the grassroots population rather than viewing it solely as a profit-generating tool.
During his appearance on the podcast "India, Russia and The World," Lokesh stated, “We don’t look at AI as a profit-making machine. But we look at AI at the scale of 1.4 billion people using it, using it effectively and enhancing their livelihoods.” This perspective underscores the government's commitment to ensuring that the benefits of AI reach all segments of society, particularly those who may be marginalized or lacking access to advanced technologies.
Lokesh highlighted that the AI mission is designed to establish the necessary physical infrastructure and develop localized models that can effectively address the needs of citizens. He articulated a vision where AI serves practical purposes, stating, “It should help the farmer… it should help the street vendor… it should help the taxi driver, or the auto driver. And that’s when you would have really unlocked the value of AI.” This inclusive approach aims to prevent AI from becoming a tool that exacerbates the digital divide, ensuring that its advantages are accessible to everyone.
The minister further expressed that every family in India should either actively utilize AI or have a use case for it, reinforcing his belief in the technology's potential to transform everyday life. He noted that some countries focus on profiting from AI or regulating it, but he believes that India should prioritize democratizing the technology, given its vast population and diverse needs.
Lokesh recently attended the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) in Russia, where he observed the effective use of AI in urban settings, particularly in crime prevention and transportation systems. He mentioned that a delegation from Andhra Pradesh is scheduled to visit Moscow in August to study the city's transportation framework, indicating a proactive approach to learning from international best practices.
In addition to discussing AI, Lokesh also touched on broader economic opportunities for Andhra Pradesh, particularly in the shipbuilding sector. He noted that Indian shipyards are currently engaged in constructing four non-nuclear icebreaker ships, which are intended to navigate the challenging Arctic shipping route. This initiative reflects India's strategic positioning along the eastern seaboard and its aspirations to capitalize on emerging maritime opportunities.
As India continues to evolve as a global player in technology and innovation, the focus on democratizing AI could play a significant role in shaping the nation's socio-economic landscape. By prioritizing the effective use of AI at the grassroots level, India aims to foster inclusive growth and enhance the livelihoods of its vast population.