IIT Madras and Google launched a new AI capacity-building program for Indian government officials. The initiative, announced on December 19 at IIT Madras, trains officials to build, procure, and scale responsible AI systems.
IIT Madras’ Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI) at the Wadhwani School of Data Science and AI (WSAI) partnered with Google and the Digital Futures Lab (DFL) for this program. It aims to equip government personnel with technical, operational, and governance skills.
Program Objectives
The program supports effective AI deployment in public institutions. It addresses the growing need for AI awareness, literacy, and robust decision-making frameworks within government. AI increasingly influences critical sectors, including education, service delivery, and digital governance.
Curriculum and Focus Areas
The curriculum helps officials understand foundational AI technologies. It teaches them to evaluate AI solutions for procurement and scaling. Participants will implement responsible AI practices aligned with India’s policy frameworks.
- Foundational AI Technologies: Core concepts and understanding.
- AI Solution Evaluation: Skills for procuring and scaling AI solutions.
- Responsible AI Practices: Implementation aligned with Indian policy frameworks.
- Risk Identification: Identifying potential issues in AI deployment.
- Governance Requirements: Understanding regulatory and ethical guidelines.
- Real-World Deployment Challenges: Addressing practical hurdles in implementation.
The program uses case studies, workshops, and hands-on sessions. Participants will assess their departments’ AI readiness. They will explore pathways to adopt or improve AI-based tools.
Leadership Perspectives
Prof. B. Ravindran, Head of WSAI at IIT Madras, highlighted the program’s importance. He stated AI systems increasingly influence decision-making, requiring development and deployment rooted in trust and inclusion. The launch conclave created a platform for dialogue on responsible AI use.
Preeti Lobana, Country Manager for Google India, affirmed the program’s goal. She said a thriving digital India must build on trust. The initiative empowers professionals to deploy AI responsibly, prioritizing safety and fairness.
Dr. Urvashi Aneja, Founder and Director of Digital Futures Lab, emphasized government capacity building. She stated strengthening this capacity is critical for effective and responsible AI use in India. It can position the country as a leader in responsible AI across the Global South.
Broader Impact
The program’s launch coincided with the Conclave on Strengthening Human Capital for the AI Era. This conclave served as a pre-summit event for the India AI Impact Summit 2026. Both initiatives aim to build an AI-ready workforce across governance and education sectors.