Ashwini Vaishnav Launches 3 Initiatives to Boost AI Skills, Digital Content Access

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New Delhi: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav on Monday unveiled three key initiatives aimed at boosting India’s digital media ecosystem, enhancing accessibility, and building an AI-ready workforce in the creative sector.

The initiatives include a National AI Skilling programme in collaboration with Google and YouTube, the launch of the MyWAVES citizen creator platform on WAVES OTT, and the rollout of in-built satellite tuners with an advanced electronic programme guide (EPG) for seamless access to DD Free Dish services.

“The measures align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of democratising technology and making it affordable for all. He noted that the integration of satellite tuners in television sets would eliminate the need for set-top boxes, reducing costs and improving user convenience” Union Minister Vaishnav said.

The National AI Skilling Initiative, to be implemented through the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, aims to train 15,000 creators, students, and media professionals free of cost. The programme will be conducted in two phases, covering foundational AI courses followed by advanced, project-based training in areas such as animation, visual effects, gaming, and digital storytelling.

“The MyWAVES platform will empower citizens to create, upload, and share content, transforming WAVES OTT into a participatory digital ecosystem. The platform will support multiple content formats and Indian languages, encouraging regional storytelling and wider engagement” Vaishnav added.

“The three initiatives collectively aim to strengthen the creator economy while expanding access to quality broadcasting. He emphasised that the AI programme will build capabilities, MyWAVES will expand opportunities, and the DD Free Dish upgrade will ensure wider reach,” Secretary of Information and Broadcasting Sanjay Jaju expressed.

Managing Director of YouTube India, Gunjan Soni, highlighted AI’s transformative potential in content creation, stating the partnership would equip creators with tools to enhance storytelling and reach global audiences.

The ministry said the initiatives are part of its broader push to promote the ‘Orange Economy,’ strengthen public broadcasting through Prasar Bharati, and position India as a global hub for digital content and innovation.