Rajasthan Hosts Regional AI Impact Conference, Launches Major Skilling and Policy Initiatives
Rajasthan on Tuesday hosted the Regional AI Impact Conference, marking a significant step in advancing India’s vision for inclusive, responsible, and citizen-centric use of artificial intelligence. The conference brought together national and state leaders, policymakers, industry experts, startups, and academia to deliberate on AI’s transformative role in governance, infrastructure, innovation, and workforce development.

Held as a precursor to the India AI Impact Summit scheduled from February 15 to 20, 2026, the event underscored strong Centre–State collaboration in positioning Rajasthan as a key contributor to India’s AI-led growth journey. The conference was attended by Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw (virtually), Minister of State for Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada, and Rajasthan IT and Communication Minister Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, along with senior officials from MeitY and the state government.

Addressing the gathering, Ashwini Vaishnaw said artificial intelligence would bring a transformation on the scale of the industrial revolution and the advent of the internet and mobile technology. He announced the launch of a national programme to train one million young people in AI skills, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision to democratize technology and ensure AI benefits every individual, household, and enterprise.

MoS Jitin Prasada highlighted the government’s commitment of ₹10,000 crore under the IndiaAI Mission to deploy AI across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and the environment. He said the focus is on enhancing incomes, improving ease of living, and boosting national productivity through responsible and inclusive AI adoption.

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said Rajasthan is moving beyond e-governance to emerge as a leader in artificial intelligence and machine learning. He announced the launch of the Rajasthan AI/ML Policy 2026, aimed at ensuring transparent, fair, and accountable AI systems while improving public service delivery and driving innovation-led economic growth.

A major highlight of the conference was the launch of several national and state-level initiatives, including the YUVA AI for All National AI Literacy Programme, the Rajasthan AI Portal, the iStart Learning Management System for skill development and entrepreneurship, and the Rajasthan AVGC-XR Portal to strengthen the animation, gaming, and extended reality ecosystem.

The event also witnessed the signing of multiple memoranda of understanding with Google, IIT Delhi, National Law University Jodhpur, and the Wadhwani Foundation to advance AI research, skilling, ethical frameworks, and innovation ecosystems.

High-level discussions focused on democratizing AI infrastructure, strengthening public–private collaboration, building public-sector capacity, and advancing responsible and trusted AI. The conference concluded with thematic sessions on governance, ethics, employment, and innovation, reinforcing India’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence for public good, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.