India’s NITI Aayog has unveiled an innovative national roadmap called AI for Inclusive Societal Development. This initiative is all about harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge technologies to uplift the country’s 490 million informal workers. It represents a significant shift from the usual global AI conversations that tend to focus on formal sectors and white-collar jobs. The roadmap is designed to transform the informal workforce, which plays a crucial role in contributing nearly half of India’s GDP, yet often lacks formal protections and opportunities for productivity improvements.
Launching the roadmap, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary said, “Empowering India’s informal workers is not just an economic priority, it is a moral imperative. This initiative highlights the importance of making AI accessible and affordable for informal workers, including farmers, artisans, and healthcare aides. The strategy is centered on tackling issues like financial insecurity, limited market access, and skill gaps. The launch event featured key government officials alongside notable industry and development partners.
At the heart of this roadmap is Mission Digital ShramSetu. This mission aims to connect informal workers with digital tools through AI, blockchain, immersive learning, and other emerging technologies. Its goal is to enhance skills, provide social protection, and create new livelihood opportunities. Ultimately, the mission aspires to establish a sustainable ecosystem where informal workers can flourish in India’s digital economy.
However, informal workers face numerous challenges, including income instability, a lack of formal skills, and exclusion from social security. If no action is taken, their average annual income could stagnate at $6,000 by 2047, which falls significantly short of the $14,500 per capita income target necessary for India to achieve high-income status. The roadmap underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to prevent further economic marginalization.
NITI Aayog highlights the importance of collaboration among government, industry, academia, and civil society. It’s only through these united efforts that we can truly empower the informal sector. The participation of organizations like the NASSCOM Foundation, the World Bank, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation showcases the multi-stakeholder approach that’s essential for success.
Empowering informal workers is a key part of India’s vision for a $30 trillion economy by 2047, known as Viksit Bharat. This roadmap puts the voices and dreams of informal workers front and center in AI development. It acknowledges that technology alone won’t bring about change without inclusive policies and social support.
