Should AI Be Developed as Public Infrastructure? Insights from Amitabh Kant
Synopsis
Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant argues that AI should be treated as public infrastructure to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all. By referencing India’s digital public infrastructure, he emphasizes the importance of designing AI for diverse populations to maximize its benefits across society.
Key Takeaways
AI must be designed as public infrastructure.
Inclusivity is essential for AI effectiveness.
Technology should serve low-income and marginalized groups.
Multilingual support enhances accessibility.
India can set a global benchmark for AI governance.
New Delhi, Feb 17 (NationPress) Former CEO of NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant, emphasized on Tuesday that artificial intelligence (AI) needs to be established and managed as public infrastructure, akin to India’s digital public infrastructure, ensuring its advantages reach every segment of society.
During the “AI for the Next Billion” session at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, organized by CEEW India, Kant articulated the necessity for AI to be accessible, affordable, multilingual, and accountable.
He pointed out that technology is only meaningful when it serves low-income users, individuals in low-bandwidth regions, non-English speakers, women, farmers, MSMEs, and frontline workers.
Kant expressed that if AI does not cater to these groups, it is not fulfilling its purpose.
“AI must be structured and managed as public infrastructure - accessible, affordable, multilingual, and accountable - similar to India’s Digital Public Infrastructure,” he stated.
“If AI fails to support low-income users, low bandwidth environments, non-English speakers, women, farmers, MSMEs, and frontline workers, then it is not serving its intended purpose,” he added.
He elaborated on how India’s journey with digital public infrastructure illustrates that technology, when designed for scalability and inclusivity, can change lives and broaden opportunities.
Kant further mentioned that when AI is regarded as public infrastructure, governed with trust, and scaled for the population, it can evolve into one of the most influential tools for inclusion of this era.
“This approach can guarantee that the AI revolution does not remain confined to a select few, but instead benefits millions throughout the nation,” Kant remarked.
He concluded that India has a rare chance to set an example by creating AI systems that are people-centered and inclusive, establishing a global standard for developing and governing emerging technologies.
“If crafted as public infrastructure, managed with trust, and scaled for the population, AI can become the most significant tool for inclusion of our time,” Kant noted.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the significance of making AI inclusive. This is not merely a technical challenge but a moral imperative for our society. Ensuring that AI benefits all, particularly marginalized groups, aligns with our nation's values and vision for an equitable future.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is AI considered public infrastructure?
AI is viewed as public infrastructure because it should be accessible and beneficial to everyone in society, similar to essential services like water and electricity.
What does Amitabh Kant mean by AI being accountable?
Accountability in AI refers to the responsibility of developers and policymakers to ensure that AI systems operate fairly and transparently.
How can AI benefit low-income users?
AI can provide valuable services and information to low-income users, enabling them to access opportunities and resources that improve their lives.
What role does language play in AI accessibility?
Multilingual support in AI ensures that non-English speakers can also benefit from technology, making it inclusive for diverse populations.
Why is governance important for AI?
Governance is crucial for AI to ensure ethical use, protect user rights, and maintain public trust in technology.
