Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman marked a significant step towards bridging the digital divide in rural education by inaugurating a pioneering artificial intelligence laboratory project in Karnataka's Hosapete on Saturday. The initiative, named 'VijAlpatha', is a pilot project by Hyderabad-based technology company Cyient and has been established across five government schools in Hosapete taluk.
Students Lead the Way in AI Demonstration
The event saw an inspiring role reversal as students from the Government Girls' Pre-University College in Amravati took charge. They conducted a special class on Artificial Intelligence for the visiting Finance Minister, showcasing their newfound skills and understanding of advanced technology. This hands-on demonstration highlighted the practical impact of the project directly from its beneficiaries.
Under this pilot phase, five world-class laboratories dedicated to AI, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), and Robotics have been set up. During the inauguration, Minister Sitharaman was briefed by both students and Cyient representatives. Each lab is outfitted with cutting-edge resources, including:
- High-performance computers
- AI-ready software platforms
- Robotics kits for hands-on learning
- Internet of Things (IoT) devices and sensors
- Secure broadband connectivity
A Scalable Model for Digital Empowerment
The 'VijAlpatha' programme is strategically aligned with national visions like the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Digital India, and Viksit Bharat 2047. It integrates the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) AI curriculum into the public school system, aiming to strengthen technology-enabled learning.
The project is already making a substantial impact, benefiting over 2,000 students and providing specialized training to more than 200 teachers. It is designed as a scalable Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) model that fosters innovation, prepares students for future careers, and promotes digital empowerment at the grassroots level.
Specifically, a laboratory occupying two rooms has been established at the Govt Girls' PU College, Amravati, which will benefit 1,200 female students. Similar labs have been set up in government high schools in the villages of Chittawadagi, TB Dam, and Kariganur, as well as in the Adarsh Vidyalaya in Jambunathahalli.
Investment and Vision for Rural India
BVR Mohan Reddy, Founder and President of Cyient, revealed the scale of the investment, stating, "Five well-equipped laboratories have been set up at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore." He outlined the training plan, noting that over 100 teachers will be trained in each of the two planned phases. The core aim, he emphasized, is to actively reduce the digital divide prevalent in rural areas of India.
The inauguration was attended by local MLA HR Gaviyappa, Deputy Commissioner Kavita S Mannikeri, Superintendent of Police S Jahnavi, and members of the school staff.
Following the school visit, Finance Minister Sitharaman commenced a budget brainstorming session with over 17 senior IAS officers and economic experts at the Vijayasri Heritage Resort in Malapanagudi near Hampi. This session is scheduled to continue into Sunday. Her itinerary in the region includes watching the sound and light show at Hampi, launching the Pulse Polio programme on December 21, and participating in other events before returning to New Delhi from the Jindal Vidyanagar Airport on the morning of December 22.
