Microsoft to Invest $3B in AI Skills for 10 Million Indians

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As a crypto investor, I was thrilled to hear about Microsoft’s ambitious $3 billion venture over the next five years to educate 10 million Indians on Artificial Intelligence (AI) proficiency. This endeavor falls under their ADVANTA(I)GE INDIA initiative, a strategic move designed to enhance productivity and create fresh employment prospects by equipping people nationwide with the necessary skills to leverage AI tools effectively in both work and daily life.

The ongoing initiative will stem from an established program that has already equipped 2.4 million civil servants, students, and individuals with disabilities with necessary skills. The goal is not just to improve employability but also to narrow the digital gap and foster a more inclusive future for every Indian, as articulated by Puneet Chandok, president of Microsoft India.

As an analyst, I am witnessing the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on people’s lives throughout India, as evidenced by the transformative stories of individuals like Jui, Raghavendra, and Venkatesh. These tales underscore the potential for AI to generate novel opportunities and jobs. Consequently, we are resolute in our mission to empower 10 million Indians with AI skills by the year 2030.

— Satya Nadella (@satyanadella) January 7, 2025

In today’s world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly expanding across industries, it’s essential for workers to embrace this technology and learn how to use its tools. Experts warn that those who don’t adapt risk falling behind significantly. For instance, Neha Jain, an IAS officer from Uttar Pradesh, has taken the initiative to educate herself on AI technology, ensuring she stays competitive in her field.

In much the same way as people initially found fire and felt fear, Jain suggests that AI, when utilized thoughtfully, could potentially bring immense advantages to mankind, just as fire did after we learned to harness it effectively.

One notable achievement of this project is Raghavendra Pratap Singh, who serves as a Review Officer within the Uttar Pradesh state administration. His role primarily consists of examining policies and composing correspondence to regional officials.

Prior to discovering AI tools, it used to take him an hour to compose letters. Now, with the aid of tools such as Microsoft Copilot and ChatGPT by OpenAI, he finishes the task in roughly 40 minutes. AI not only expedites this process but also assists him in summarizing lengthy documents and translating legal orders from English to Hindi, thereby enhancing the efficiency of his work.

Microsoft, in partnership with local organizations, offers hands-on digital courses emphasizing the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI). These practical uses range from composing documents efficiently to enhancing cybersecurity. Given their relevance to government operations, these courses are particularly beneficial for government officials. As shared by the trainers, many attendees initially lack familiarity with AI, but soon grasp its significance as it streamlines their tasks and boosts work quality.

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2025-01-08 12:05