NEW DELHI, 16 July 2025: In a major boost to digital skilling and rural empowerment, the Union Government has announced free Artificial Intelligence (AI) training for 10 lakh citizens, with Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) to be given priority. The announcement was made by Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, at the 10-year celebration of the Digital India programme, held at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre in Dwarka.
Describing CSCs (Common Service Centres) as the backbone of Digital India, Shri Vaishnaw said that over 90% of Indian villages now have access to digital services through CSCs. “If there is any medium capable of reaching every village, it is CSC,” the Minister noted.
The Minister lauded the contributions of women VLEs such as Manjulata of Odisha and Rose Angelina of Meghalaya, who have empowered their communities despite difficult circumstances. “These VLEs are scripting revolutions in the remotest parts of India,” he added.
Key announcements
- Free AI training for 10 lakh citizens with first priority for VLEs
- Integration of IRCTC ticketing services at all CSCs
- Plans to connect state IT agencies with CSCs through collaboration with Chief Ministers
Union Minister of State for Electronics & IT, Jitin Prasada, stressed that the journey from 83,000 CSCs in 2014 to 5.5 lakh centres today symbolises the vision of a truly connected and empowered India. “We must use AI and emerging technologies to positively transform lives,” he said, advocating for CSC involvement in health, education, agriculture, and cybersecurity.
Sanjay Rakesh, MD & CEO of CSC SPV, stated, “CSCs are no longer just service points—they are engines of local development, offering banking, insurance, education, telemedicine, and more.”
Celebrating 10 Years of Digital India
The CSC Diwas celebrations, held nationwide from July 1–15, culminated with a high-level policy discussion attended by IT Secretaries and senior officials. Over 74,000 women VLEs were honoured for advancing grassroots innovation and inclusion.
Launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Digital India mission has transformed India into one of the largest digital economies globally. The CSC ecosystem—operated by grassroots entrepreneurs—has become the face of last-mile governance, financial inclusion, and service delivery.
