NITI Aayog Launches AI Roadmap for 490 Million Workers

India’s NITI Aayog has revealed a pioneering national roadmap titled AI for Inclusive Societal Development. This initiative focuses on leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and frontier technologies to empower the country’s 490 million informal workers. It marks shift from global AI discussions that mainly target formal sectors and white-collar jobs. The roadmap aims to transform the informal workforce, which contributes nearly half of India’s GDP but lacks formal protections and productivity enhancements.

of the AI Roadmap

The roadmap was launched with strong government backing and multi-sector partnerships. It marks the need to make AI accessible and affordable for informal workers such as farmers, artisans, and healthcare aides. The strategy centres on addressing financial insecurity, limited market access, and skill gaps. The event saw participation from key government officials and prominent industry and development partners.

Mission Digital ShramSetu

At the core of the roadmap is Mission Digital ShramSetu. This mission aims to bridge informal workers to digital tools using AI, blockchain, immersive learning, and other emerging technologies. It seeks to enhance skills, provide social protection, and open new livelihood opportunities. The mission intends to build a sustainable ecosystem where informal workers can thrive in India’s digital economy.

Challenges Facing Informal Workers

Informal workers face multiple barriers including income instability, lack of formal skills, and exclusion from social security. Without intervention, their average annual income may stagnate at $6,000 by 2047. This is well below the $14,500 per capita income target needed for India to become a high-income nation. The roadmap stresses the urgency of coordinated action to prevent further economic marginalisation.

Role of Partnerships and Collaboration

NITI Aayog emphasises that collaboration between government, industry, academia, and civil society is essential. Only through united efforts can the informal sector be truly empowered. The involvement of organisations like NASSCOM Foundation, World Bank, and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation illustrates the multi-stakeholder approach needed for success.

Vision for Viksit Bharat 2047

Empowering informal workers is central to India’s $30 trillion economy vision by 2047, known as Viksit Bharat. The roadmap places the voices and aspirations of informal workers at the centre of AI development. It recognises that technology alone cannot drive transformation without inclusive policies and social support.