Is Uttar Pradesh Setting the Stage for an AI Revolution?

Lucknow, May 2 (NationPress) In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at establishing Uttar Pradesh as a leader in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), the government led by Yogi Adityanath is launching a comprehensive AI workforce development programme. This initiative is structured to cultivate a digitally proficient populace. Six critical departments will collaborate to implement AI-specific training throughout the state.

The Department of IT and Electronics will take the lead in this initiative, working alongside the Departments of Education, Health, Agriculture, Rural Development, Revenue, and Secretariat Administration.

Each department will design and provide customized AI training tailored to its specific operational environment, aiming to integrate AI capabilities into public services and governance.

This strategy is intended to develop a significant workforce of AI-savvy professionals across various sectors, thereby fostering a cohesive skilling ecosystem. A dual-layer monitoring framework, featuring both state and district-level oversight committees, will be established to ensure effective implementation. These committees are in the process of being formed to facilitate timely execution, ongoing assessment, and necessary adjustments.

The Education Department will infuse AI education into schools, colleges, and universities, equipping students, teachers, and academic personnel with practical knowledge of AI tools and systems. The Health Department will train healthcare workers—spanning doctors to support personnel—on utilizing AI in diagnostics, treatment, and patient care.

In agriculture, training will be provided to officials, women engaged in rural enterprises, NGOs, and innovative farmers, highlighting AI's role in enhancing productivity and sustainability. The Rural Development Department will educate rural stakeholders, including women and development workers, on employing AI for community development initiatives.

Likewise, the Revenue and Secretariat Administration Departments will offer AI training programmes to their administrative staff, improving the application of intelligent systems in decision-making, documentation, and service provision.

Notably, the IT and Electronics Department has set an ambitious target of training 150,000 individuals monthly in AI technologies, aiming to upskill an equivalent number within a 4-6 month timeframe. This expansive effort will be centrally coordinated by the Centre for e-Governance (CeG), the primary agency overseeing inter-departmental collaboration and progress tracking.

Oversight will be stringent. A high-level committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, will supervise the initiative at the state level, while District Magistrates and Chief Development Officers will manage local task forces. Performance metrics will be utilized to evaluate departments and districts, fostering a competitive environment and promoting transparency.