Saurabh Vijay becomes the new CEO of the India AI Mission

The Central Government has taken a significant administrative decision aimed at further strengthening the Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector in India. IAS officer Saurabh Vijay has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the India AI Mission. He currently also serves as the CEO of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI).

Now, alongside those responsibilities, he has been serving with the leadership of the India AI Mission as well. It is anticipated that this appointment will accelerate the implementation of various AI-related projects and initiatives across the country.

The India AI Mission is a national initiative by the Central Government aimed at strengthening the country's AI ecosystem. Through this program, the government seeks to expand AI-based research, foster AI development in Indian languages, increase the application of AI in the education and healthcare sectors, create opportunities for startups and innovators, and implement AI solutions within public administration.

Currently, AI technology is driving rapid transformation across the globe. This mission is being prioritised specifically to ensure that India remains at the lead of this global competition.

The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has appointed IAS officer Saurabh Vijay as the new CEO of the India AI Mission.

Saurabh Vijay is a 1998-batch IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre. In addition to possessing extensive experience in the administrative domain, he currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the UIDAI. He has now been assigned the position of CEO of the India AI Mission as an additional charge.

The India AI Mission is a flagship initiative of the Central Government aimed at enhancing the country's AI capabilities and fostering AI-based innovation. The primary objectives of this mission include: encouraging AI research, supporting startups and entrepreneurs, building AI computing infrastructure, developing skilled human resources, expanding the scope of AI application in government services, and strengthening India's position in the global AI landscape.

Experts view the appointment of an experienced administrator to lead such a vital mission as a main part of the government's long-term strategic planning.

The position of CEO of the India AI Mission had remained vacant for some time. Previously, Abhishek Singh held this responsibility; he was associated with various key projects under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. Ever since he stepped down from the role, there had been anticipation regarding the appointment of a new CEO. Finally, Saurabh Vijay has been appointed to fill this vacant position.

Alongside his new responsibilities, Saurabh Vijay will continue to hold his current position as the CEO of UIDAI. UIDAI is the organisation responsible for managing the country's Aadhaar system. He possesses experience in managing India's largest digital identity system, an asset that could prove instrumental in overseeing large-scale technology-driven projects such as the AI ​​Mission.

Currently, the Central Government has also made a new appointment to the post of Chairman of the Online Gaming Authority. Priyank Bharti, a 2001-batch IAS officer, has been trusted with this responsibility. He currently also serves as the Director General of the National Informatics Centre (NIC).