Figurines with computers and smartphones are seen in front of the words "Artificial Intelligence AI" in this illustration
Credit: Reuters Photos
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today presented her historic eighth Budget and the second one of the Narendra Modi 3.0 government. The Budget, lauded by NDA members, has a slew of measures to improve infrastructure growth in the country.
This time, the FM announced a Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for education at a cost of Rs 500 crore would be set up and this would be in addition to the three Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence for agriculture, health and sustainable cities announced in 2023.
Reacting to this, Rajnil Mallik, Partner, Gen AI GTM Leader, PwC India said "The Government has reinforced its commitment to AI and innovation-led growth with significant outlays in the Union Budget. With the aim of making technology the center of India’s economic transformation, it is heartening to see that the Budget has made significant provisions in the entire technology ecosystem."
Mallik added, "Specifically, it has proposed three Centers of Excellence (CoEs) with an allocation of Rs 500 Cr; the creation of new funds for startups and an outlay for private sector initiatives is in the pipeline."
Mallik further said, "Additionally, along with the expansion of IITs and National Centers of Skilling, the enhanced digital infrastructure in schools, the establishment of 50,000 Atal Tinkering Laboratories to encourage 'STEM' learning, fellowships, technology-driven PPPs, and a centralized KYC system, the government has firmly put in place the foundation of India’s digital transformation journey."
Union Budget 2025 | Nirmala Sitharaman, as Finance Minister, presented her record 8th Union Budget this time. While inflation has burnt a hole in the pockets of 'aam janata', the Modi govt gave income tax relief for those making up to Rs 12 lakh per year in salaried income. Track the latest coverage, live news, in-depth opinions, and analysis only on Deccan Herald. Also follow us on WhatsApp, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.