Policy Watch
India To Regulate AI: Bureaucrats to Get AI Training, New Governance Board Proposed!
The Indian government is taking a major step toward responsible AI adoption in governance, mandating AI training for bureaucrats and proposing a dedicated regulatory board to oversee AI-driven projects in public services.
As part of the IndiaAI Mission, a newly introduced AI Competency Framework for Public Officials recommends establishing an AI Governance Board to assess, approve, and monitor AI applications across government agencies. This board would ensure AI initiatives align with ethical and legal standards at both domestic and international levels.
Balancing AI Innovation with Accountability
The framework highlights the need for government officials to develop a critical understanding of AI’s risks, ethics, and security concerns. Beyond regulatory approvals, the governance board will provide technical and ethical guidance throughout an AI project’s lifecycle.
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The move signals a shift from a tech-first approach to a risk-aware governance model, requiring policymakers to assess potential biases, fairness, transparency, and societal impact before deploying AI-powered systems.
Bias in AI models, particularly regarding the representation of marginalized communities, is a key concern raised in the framework. Underrepresentation in training data can lead to flawed decisions with real-world consequences. To mitigate this, the framework mandates thorough audits of AI models and promotes independent assessments to uphold fairness and performance benchmarks.
AI Training for Bureaucrats: Three-Tier Model
The government has also introduced a structured AI training program for public officials, categorized into three levels:
- Level 1: Senior policymakers shaping AI governance strategies.
- Level 2: Mid-level officials overseeing AI-driven government programs.
- Level 3: Implementation teams managing daily AI operations.
Additionally, strict documentation and transparency requirements have been laid out, including disclosure of AI models’ design, data sources, and decision-making processes. To prevent misuse, human oversight will be mandated in AI applications affecting public services and fundamental rights.
AI’s Role in India’s Future Economy
With AI projected to contribute $450–500 billion to India’s GDP by 2025, the government is actively fostering AI adoption while ensuring responsible deployment. The move follows a recent backlash when the government’s advisory—requiring AI platforms to seek approval before launching—was withdrawn due to concerns of stifling innovation.
By enforcing accountability, transparency, and fairness, India aims to build a governance model that not only encourages AI innovation but also protects public interest.