Rajasthan Leads India’s AI Revolution with Launch of Million-Youth Training Program
Photo Credit: PIB
Rajasthan recently hosted the Regional AI Impact Conference on 6th January 2026, bringing together national and state leaders, policymakers, industry experts, startups, and academia to discuss the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in India. The conference highlighted how AI can revolutionize governance, infrastructure, innovation, and workforce development, and served as a precursor to the India AI Impact Summit scheduled from 15–20 February 2026. ICEA data and government reports emphasize that initiatives like these are vital to positioning India as a global AI powerhouse while ensuring inclusive growth.
The event saw the participation of key dignitaries, including Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister of Rajasthan; Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Electronics & Information Technology (virtually); Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Electronics & IT; and Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, Cabinet Minister for IT & Communication, Rajasthan. Senior officials from MeitY and the state government also attended, highlighting strong Centre–State collaboration aimed at making Rajasthan a hub of AI innovation and research.
Speaking at the conference, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw noted, “AI has the potential to create transformations on the scale of the Industrial Revolution, electricity, computers, and the internet. The government’s mission is to democratize AI, ensuring intelligence reaches every individual, household, and enterprise. To achieve this, we are launching a program to train one million young Indians in AI skills, preparing our youth for the technological future.” Jitin Prasada added that under the India AI Mission, the government is investing ₹10,000 crore to leverage AI across sectors like agriculture, healthcare, education, and the environment, enhancing productivity, income, and ease of living while promoting responsible AI adoption.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasized Rajasthan’s commitment to becoming a leader in AI and machine learning, moving beyond e-governance toward a transparent, accountable, and citizen-centric AI-driven administration. The state has unveiled its AI/ML Policy 2026, which aims to promote research, innovation, economic growth, and high-value employment, while ensuring AI systems remain fair, ethical, and aligned with public interest.
The conference also launched several landmark initiatives. The national YUVA AI for All program aims to raise AI literacy among students and youth, mobilizing learners to complete a foundational AI course and fostering inclusive AI adoption across the country. Rajasthan unveiled its AI/ML Policy 2026 and AI portal, along with the iStart Learning Management System to promote skills, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The Rajasthan AVGC-XR Portal was introduced to strengthen the state’s Animation, VFX, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality ecosystem. A high-level MoU signing with Google, IIT Delhi, National Law University Jodhpur, and the Wadhwani Foundation will advance AI research, skills, ethics, and innovation ecosystems.
Strategic sessions featured industry leaders like Vishal Dhupar of NVIDIA and officials from MeitY and IndiaAI Mission, discussing public–private collaboration, AI safety, and building AI capacity for government use. Academic perspectives, such as those from IIT Jodhpur, highlighted the importance of regionally-driven AI research to create globally relevant, context-aware solutions.
The Rajasthan Regional AI Impact Conference marked a key milestone in India’s AI journey, showcasing the state’s leadership, inclusive vision, and strategic efforts to harness AI for economic growth, innovation, and societal benefit. These initiatives underscore India’s commitment to responsible, ethical, and citizen-focused AI development, setting the stage for the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
Source: PIB
