Is the Government Paving the Way for Equal Access to AI Infrastructure?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Democratising access to AI infrastructure is crucial for equitable opportunities.
- The initiative aims to empower users across diverse regions.
- Access to high-quality datasets and affordable computing is essential.
- Integration with Digital Public Infrastructure is a key focus.
- Government initiatives will support the IndiaAI Mission and local innovations.
New Delhi, Dec 30 (NationPress) The Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government unveiled a white paper on democratising access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure on Tuesday.
This document outlines the concept of democratising access as making AI resources—including compute power, datasets, and model ecosystems—widely available and affordable, allowing a diverse array of users to benefit.
It focuses on empowering numerous users to interact with and reap the advantages of AI technologies. When resources like compute, datasets, and model tools are readily accessible, both individuals and organizations can enhance their capabilities, such as creating tools for local languages and modifying assistive technologies.
The white paper was crafted with contributions and insights from experts and stakeholders, notably the Niti Aayog, to encourage thoughtful discussion and actions that shape India’s AI policy and governance framework.
“As AI becomes integral to innovation and economic growth, it is essential that access to compute, datasets, and model ecosystems is made widespread, affordable, and inclusive. Currently, these resources are concentrated within a few global companies and urban hubs, limiting equitable participation,” the PSA office stated in a social media post.
“For India, democratising access signifies recognizing AI infrastructure as a shared national asset, enabling innovators from various regions to develop local-language solutions, adapt assistive technologies, and create offerings that meet India’s diverse requirements,” it further elaborated.
Key enablers aligned with India’s vision for AI governance highlighted in the white paper include enhancing access to high-quality, representative datasets, offering affordable and dependable computing resources, and integrating AI with Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
Democratising access to AI infrastructure is vital for ensuring equitable opportunities and benefits nationwide, impacting everyone from rural areas to urban centers, and from small organizations to large industries.
Platforms such as AIKosha, India AI Compute, and TGDeX are enhancing India’s AI ecosystem by broadening access to innovation and services.
The white paper also emphasizes that dedicated government initiatives focused on infrastructure development and expanding access to data and computing resources would empower the IndiaAI Mission, various ministries, sectoral regulators, and state governments.