Common Service Centres to Get Free AI Training
Common Service Centres (CSCs) across India will soon receive free training in Artificial Intelligence. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology, announced this initiative during the annual CSC Diwas on July 15, 2025. The event brought together Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs), who operate these centres that connect remote communities to online government services.
The Minister also addressed ongoing duplication issues caused by States running their own digital service centres, promising that the government will work on resolving these challenges.
Recognizing Outstanding VLE Contributions
At the event, Lalremruata, a 29-year-old VLE from Lawngtlai, Mizoram, was honoured for facilitating business transactions worth over ₹8 crore through his CSC during the financial year 2024–25. He was among several VLEs from remote districts recognized for their efforts. India currently has more than 5.6 lakh CSCs, with over 80% located in rural areas.
Aadhaar Services and VLE Involvement
One of the key topics at CSC Diwas was the limited role CSCs currently have in Aadhaar enrolment and updates. Since a Supreme Court order in 2018, CSCs have been restricted from performing enrolments and major updates. VLEs are only permitted to handle demographic updates such as address changes.
VLEs expressed strong interest in regaining full Aadhaar enrolment and update capabilities, recognizing the potential volume and business benefits. Both Minister Vaishnaw and Minister of State for IT Jitin Prasada acknowledged these concerns and committed to exploring solutions, though no immediate changes were confirmed.
“Don’t clap until the work is done,” Mr. Prasada cautioned, emphasizing the need for careful consideration, especially regarding cybersecurity.
Focus on Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity emerged as a critical theme during the discussions. Minister Prasada highlighted the importance of VLEs collaborating with the government to ensure the security of digital services. With the scale of digitisation in India, safeguarding data and infrastructure is paramount.
He urged VLEs to maintain ongoing dialogue with authorities to address cybersecurity challenges effectively, reinforcing the government's commitment to protecting citizens' information.
Looking Ahead
- Free AI training for CSC operators will enhance the quality of digital services offered in rural areas.
- Government efforts will continue to resolve overlaps between CSCs and State digital centres.
- Discussions on expanding CSC roles in Aadhaar services are ongoing, with cybersecurity as a top priority.
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