National artificial intelligence unit stuck for lack of anchor department

India, despite its vast and diverse data sets, a prerequisite for robust AI systems, is not part of many mainstream discussions and deliberations on AI

The government’s plan to set up a national artificial intelligence centre is stuck because it is unclear which department will spearhead the initiative.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) said in January such a centre would be set up by July.

The then finance minister, Piyush Goyal, announced in February the centre would be developed as a hub along with centres of excellence, for which nine priority areas had been identified. However, he did not mention who would execute the larger plan. 

Last month, it was reported that the NITI Aayog had circulated a Cabinet note, asking for Rs 7,500 crore