In a significant move towards harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Indian government has initiated the formulation of regulations aimed at fostering the development, protection, and innovation in this rapidly evolving field. This announcement was made by a high-ranking government official on Tuesday, highlighting the administration’s commitment to nurturing the growth of AI technology in the country.
S. Krishnan, Secretary of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), shared insights during an international conference organized by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) in Kolkata. Krishnan conveyed that the government is actively engaged in the process of crafting regulations for AI, considering both domestic and global perspectives. Additionally, he revealed ongoing discussions within the government regarding the necessity of a separate act for AI or the integration of regulations into existing legislative frameworks as reported by Business Standard.
Officials emphasized the government’s dedication to striking a balance between safeguarding data and promoting the advancement of AI. Drawing parallels with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, the government aims to create a policy that not only ensures protection but also stimulates development and innovation, preventing any hindrance to the flourishing AI sector.
Regulations For AI
In a parallel development, Krishnan shed light on the government’s contemplation of a revised version of the Scheme for Promotion of Manufacturing of Electronic Components and Semiconductors (SPECS). This updated scheme, known as SPECS 2.0, is designed to attract more component manufacturers to India, fostering ancillary development for the semiconductor supply ecosystem. Krishnan detailed the comprehensive scope of the initiative, encompassing various aspects such as plants, machinery, and capital goods essential for the semiconductor industry.
On the sidelines of the conference, Aditya Kr Sinha, Senior Director & Centre Head, C-DAC Kolkata, underlined the objectives of the ICSTA 2023 conference. The event serves as a crucial platform for the scientific community and industry to deliberate on innovative projects aimed at transforming agricultural practices. These projects include the Vision-guided AI-enabled Robotic Apple Harvester, IoT Solution for Poultry Farm Practice, Electronics Platform to Monitor Cattle Health and Milk Quality, AI-based Air Quality Monitoring System (AQ-AIMS) for Mine and Cement Industries, and e-Quality – Electronic Quality Assessment Solution for Agricultural Commodities for eNAM, among others.
As the government takes proactive steps to shape regulations for AI, the focus remains on creating an environment that not only safeguards interests but also propels the nation towards becoming a hub for AI development, innovation, and technological excellence. The ongoing initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to positioning India at the forefront of the global AI landscape.
