News

“Model conduct” captures India’s current dilemma in governing Artificial Intelligence: while the country is actively engaging with global AI safety debates and drafting regulatory frameworks, it still lacks a clear, coherent domestic strategy that simultaneously expands access to AI resources and prepares its workforce for large-scale technological disruption. The article argues that without addressing these twin gaps, India risks becoming a rule-taker rather than a rule-shaper in the AI era.

Key Issues

1. Fragmented and Reactive AI Regulation
• Policies respond after harm occurs rather than anticipating risks.
• Example: Emphasis on takedown notices instead of design-stage safeguards.
2. Limited Access to AI Infrastructure
• High compute costs restrict AI development to a few large firms.
• Example: Start-ups and academia lack access to advanced GPUs and datasets.
3. Absence of Indigenous Frontier Models
• Dependence on foreign AI systems raises strategic and economic concerns.
• Example: Reliance on global Big Tech for foundational AI tools.
4. Workforce Skill Mismatch
• AI adoption outpaces reskilling of workers.
• Example: Informal and low-skill workers face displacement without safety nets.
5. Over-emphasis on Content Policing
• Regulatory focus tilts toward censorship rather than innovation governance.
• Example: Monitoring outputs instead of ensuring accountable model design.

Global Practices

Lesson: Effective AI governance balances regulation, innovation, and skill development.

Indian Committees / Policy & Institutional References

Way Forward

1. Develop a comprehensive AI law with a risk-based, future-ready approach.
2. Expand public access to AI compute and datasets via shared national platforms.
3. Invest heavily in AI skilling and reskilling, especially for informal workers.
4. Promote indigenous AI research through public funding and academia-industry collaboration.
5. Shift regulation upstream, focusing on model design, testing, and accountability.
6. Align AI governance with employment policy to ensure inclusive growth.

Conclusion

India’s AI challenge is not merely about controlling risks but about unlocking opportunity. Without democratizing access to AI resources and preparing its workforce for structural change, regulation alone will not deliver technological sovereignty or inclusive growth. A proactive, capability-building approach is essential.

Prelims MCQ

Q1. With reference to India’s Kalvari-class submarines, consider the following statements:

1. They are diesel-electric attack submarines built under Project-75.

2. They are equipped with nuclear propulsion systems.

3. They enhance India’s sea-denial and underwater surveillance capabilities.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 2 and 3 only

b) 1 and 3 only

c) 1 and 2 only

d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: D) 1, 2 and 3 only

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q1. India’s approach to Artificial Intelligence must move beyond reactive regulation towards capability building and workforce transformation. Discuss. (250 words)