IFS officer Prajesh Kanta Jena is introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) training to rural and tribal youth at Jharkhand’s Palamau Tiger Reserve through Hunar Se Rozgar 2.0. Launched on September 5, 2026, at the Ajeevika Kendra in Betla, the initiative aims to develop digital skills, encourage entrepreneurship and explore technological solutions to local challenges.
Building on an earlier livelihood programme that reached more than 600 tribal youth, the initiative has reportedly trained 35 participants. It focuses on opportunities in eco-tourism, wildlife protection and human-wildlife conflict management, demonstrating how technology can support livelihoods and conservation.
Bringing AI To Rural Communities
Artificial Intelligence is often associated with metropolitan cities and technology companies. At Palamau Tiger Reserve, however, Deputy Director Prajesh Kanta Jena is working to make these emerging technologies accessible to young people in rural and forest-fringe communities.
The first AI Builder Bootcamp under Hunar Se Rozgar 2.0 began on September 5, 2026, at the Ajeevika Kendra in Betla. Participants are learning AI tools, website development, digital content creation and entrepreneurship. The objective is not to turn everyone into a programmer but to help young people identify local problems and explore how technology could address them.
Jena believes that geographical location should not determine access to technological education. He has emphasised that rural youth can use AI to strengthen their existing skills and explore opportunities without necessarily leaving their communities. The programme has also attracted young women who may otherwise have limited access to specialised technology training.
From Livelihood Skills To Innovation
The initiative builds on Hunar Se Rozgar, which has reached more than 600 tribal youth through vocational training in driving, electrical work, tailoring and motorcycle repair. The expanded programme introduces digital skills alongside these traditional livelihood opportunities, preparing participants to explore emerging employment options.
Participants are encouraged to develop projects related to eco-tourism, local businesses and wildlife conservation. They are divided into focused groups, including those exploring human-wildlife conflict. One area of interest is the challenge of elephants entering villages and damaging crops or property.
The programme is exploring technologies that could help detect animal movement and support decision-making. An in-house device based on seismic detection is among the technologies being considered for identifying movement associated with elephants and tigers. Participants are encouraged to develop ideas that could benefit local communities and the Forest Department, with viable proposals potentially considered for implementation in the tiger reserve.
The initiative also emphasises community service. Participants are expected to share their knowledge, contribute to plantation activities and take part in nature-related work. This approach aims to connect individual skill development with wider community welfare and forest conservation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Access to technology should not depend on where a person lives. Hunar Se Rozgar 2.0 highlights how rural and tribal youth can be encouraged to become innovators and entrepreneurs when given the right training and opportunities. However, sustained mentoring, access to equipment and practical employment pathways will be essential to translate learning into lasting benefits.
Technology-based conservation efforts must also involve local communities and protect both livelihoods and wildlife. By combining digital education with local knowledge, initiatives like this can help create opportunities without weakening community ties or the relationship between people and forests.
Can AI training help rural youth build sustainable livelihoods while supporting wildlife conservation? Share your views in the comments.
Also Read: How Rakesh Gupta’s Gramshree Empowers Tribal Women Through Forest Produce
