UP Government Initiates Digital Literacy Campaign: Citizens to be Trained in AI, Data Analytics, Among Other Skills
The Government of Uttar Pradesh has announced the launch of a digital literacy campaign called "AI Pragya," in collaboration with the central Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology’s IndiaAI Mission, under the Union Government. The initiative, officially launched in January 2025, aims to promote digital empowerment, particularly in rural and underserved areas of Uttar Pradesh.
**Focus Areas**
The AI Pragya campaign is designed to bridge the digital divide by equipping populations, particularly in rural Uttar Pradesh, with essential digital skills and awareness of artificial intelligence. A core focus is on empowering communities in rural regions, ensuring that digital benefits reach traditionally marginalized groups. By linking to the broader IndiaAI Mission, the campaign likely emphasizes practical uses of AI for governance, education, agriculture, healthcare, and local entrepreneurship, aligning with the mission’s goal of democratizing AI access and innovation.
**Collaboration with Global Companies**
The campaign will involve collaboration with key global companies like Microsoft, Intel, HCL, Amazon, Google, and the website foundation. However, specific details on the nature of these collaborations are not available at this time. It is plausible that these partnerships may be involved in upskilling, infrastructure, and technical support for the program.
**Implementation and Training**
District Magistrates will oversee the program’s implementation at the district level, while the Electronic Governance Center (EGC) will manage the program. Special attention will be given to rural areas, with various groups such as farmers, students, teachers, women's self-help group members, village heads, and public service center operators being trained. The training will be offered both online and offline, leading to certification.
**Expected Outcomes**
The AI Pragya campaign is expected to significantly enhance digital access and literacy in Uttar Pradesh, especially in rural areas, by making digital and AI skills part of basic education and community training programs. By integrating AI into digital literacy, the initiative should empower citizens to leverage technology for socioeconomic advancement, entrepreneurship, and improved access to government services. Aligning with the IndiaAI Mission’s pillars, the expected outcomes include fostering inclusive growth, supporting local innovation, and reducing the urban-rural digital divide. The campaign is likely envisioned as a pilot or model for other Indian states, potentially establishing Uttar Pradesh as a leader in rural digital transformation.
**Inauguration and Future Developments**
The Chief Minister is expected to inaugurate the campaign this month. The government order for the AI Pragya program was published on April 24. Further updates on the progress of the campaign, including specifics on global company collaborations and the precise structure of its curriculum, will be announced in due course.
It is important to note the IndiaAI Datasets Platform, which is part of the same IndiaAI ecosystem. This platform (including “AI Kosha”) centralizes non-personal datasets to support AI R&D across India, with a particular focus on Indian languages and applications. While the UP AI Pragya campaign is separate, its objectives likely complement this national effort in building digital and AI capacities at the grassroots level.
[1] Government of Uttar Pradesh, AI Pragya Campaign, Press Release, January 2025. [2] Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, IndiaAI Mission, Website, 2023.
- The AI Pragya campaign, launched by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, focuses on bridging the digital divide in rural areas by providing essential digital skills and AI awareness, particularly in areas like education, agriculture, healthcare, and local entrepreneurship.
- Collaborations with global tech giants such as Microsoft, Intel, HCL, Amazon, Google, and the website foundation may contribute to the program by providing upskilling, infrastructure, and technical support.
- The training for the AI Pragya campaign will be offered both online and offline, with various groups including farmers, students, teachers, women's self-help group members, village heads, and public service center operators being trained.
- By integrating AI into digital literacy, the AI Pragya campaign aims to empower citizens for socioeconomic advancement, entrepreneurship, and improved access to government services, ultimately fostering inclusive growth, supporting local innovation, and reducing the urban-rural digital divide.
