Wedoany.com Report on Feb 2nd, Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget on Sunday, highlighted that cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence can drive improvements in governance. In her budget speech for the 2026-27 fiscal year, she stated, "AI applications can serve as a force multiplier for achieving better governance."
This marks Sitharaman's ninth consecutive Union Budget presentation. The 2027 fiscal year budget is being presented amidst a complex domestic and international environment, with stable domestic demand and moderated inflation, but persistent global uncertainties. The government needs to maintain a declining fiscal deficit trend while promoting consumption, increasing employment, and boosting capital expenditure.
The budget indicates that the government has supported the development of new technologies through various measures, including the AI Mission and the National Quantum Mission. Sitharaman announced the launch of a multilingual AI tool named "Bharat-VISTAAR," which will integrate agricultural portals and software packages for farming practices. She said, "This will enhance agricultural productivity, help farmers optimize decision-making, and mitigate risks through customized advisory services."
To address the impact of AI on employment, the government will establish a high-level standing committee to assess how AI is transforming jobs and skill requirements and to make recommendations for integrating AI into the education system. This committee will also study the broader impact of emerging technologies on employment trends in the services sector.
Vineet Nayar, former CEO of HCL Technologies and founder of Sampark Foundation, said, "The budget offers a pragmatic recognition of AI, positioning it as a tool for governance enhancement while avoiding hype. I concur that technology applications should be inclusive, benefiting all sections of society, which aligns with our philosophy of leveraging innovation to support educational efforts."
