Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced on Wednesday that one million people will receive free training in Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of a government initiative.
The announcement was made at New Delhi’s Yashobhoomi Convention Centre during the Ministry’s celebration marking 10 Years of Digital India.
The event was organized by Common Service Centre e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC SPV) under the umbrella of MeitY, commemorating ten years of digital empowerment across the nation, according to an official release reported by ANI.
While attending as the chief guest, Union Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw commended Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) for their role in narrowing the digital gap and connecting rural communities to digital services.
“VLE brothers and sisters across the country have set a remarkable example by delivering the benefits of Digital India to every citizen. When the world questioned how a tea seller or a vegetable vendor could use digital payments, today that dream has come true—UPI payments have surpassed Visa transactions. This is the strength of 1.4 billion Indians.”
Minister of State Jitin Prasada emphasized that India has now entered the “era of Artificial Intelligence”, accelerating rapidly:
“With time, we must use new technologies to bring positive change in people's lives and empower them.”
He emphasized the need to raise awareness, strengthen capacity-building efforts, and enhance cybersecurity across key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and education.
To further support VLEs, Prasada suggested enabling them to provide directory updates and integrate state-level services to enhance their income.
Sanjay Rakesh, CEO of CSC SPV, emphasized the significant impact of the CSC network.:
“With CSC, there is no need to visit cities to avail government services. CSC centres are providing G2C and B2B services at doorsteps in remote areas of the country, enabling digital empowerment.”
Since its establishment in 2009, CSC SPV has grown to operate over 5.5 lakh centres, making it one of the largest digital service ecosystems globally.
Prasada shared compelling growth figures:
CSC count expanded from 83,000 centres in 2014 to nearly 5.5 lakh by 2025.
Over 74,000 women VLEs are now actively transforming their communities.
Linking Primary Agriculture Credit Societies (PACS) with CSCs is enhancing the reach of services in rural areas.
Vaishnaw commended inspiring women VLEs like Manjulata from Odisha and Rose Angelina from Meghalaya, who leveraged digital tools to empower their communities despite hardships:
“Through her centre in the Mairang area, VLE Rose Angelina M. Kharsyntiew is not only delivering services but also setting an example of transformation, empowerment, and community service.”
He urged all VLEs to add IRCTC services and committed to coordinating with Chief Ministers to integrate state IT agencies with CSC-SPV.
Launched in 2015 by PM Narendra Modi, Digital India aimed to expand tech access across the country. Over the past ten years, it has bridged the digital divide, enhanced governance, financial inclusion, and connectivity. Today, India stands as the world’s third-largest digital economy.
“The resolve to extend the benefits of Digital India to the last mile of society is being carried forward with the help of our VLE brothers and sisters. Ten years ago, when we began the Digital India initiative, the Prime Minister had the vision to lay the foundation for a developed India,” said Prasada.
The two-day celebration took place in Delhi on July 15–16, 2025. On July 15, IT Secretaries gathered at Bharat Mandapam to discuss rural e‑governance and the future of CSCs.
Between July 1 and 15, CSC centres across the country organized events to recognize and celebrate the achievements of top-performing VLEs for their role in advancing India’s digital transformation.
Conclusion
The announcement of free AI training for 10 lakh individuals marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward a digitally empowered future. With CSCs playing a central role in last‑mile delivery of services and VLEs driving community transformation, India celebrates not just a decade of the Digital India initiative, but the beginning of its next technology-driven phase.