To build AI for all, India must build it with all

India stands at a pivotal moment in its AI development journey, where the nation's progress in digital infrastructure and innovation ecosystem could either reinforce existing inequalities or pave the way for inclusive AI. While India boasts a high number of women in STEM fields, the representation of women in AI roles dwindles significantly as the pipeline advances, highlighting a critical challenge in the AI ecosystem.

This disparity is not merely a technological issue but a deeply rooted societal one, influenced by factors such as unequal access to education, caregiving responsibilities, workplace discrimination, and language barriers. The consequences of this leakage are evident in everyday scenarios, where biased AI models can lead to unequal credit assessments or inaccurate health recommendations, impacting millions of lives.

However, AI also holds the potential to expand opportunities, particularly when women occupy influential positions, leading to more inclusive and representative technology. India’s commitment to inclusion, as exemplified by its Constitution and Digital Public Infrastructure, provides a robust foundation for building AI that reflects the nation’s diversity.

The India AI Mission presents a unique opportunity to ensure that AI development in India is not only technologically advanced but also socially equitable, embodying the nation’s core values of inclusivity and opportunity for all.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.