In a major push to take digital transformation deeper into rural India, the Government of India announced free Artificial Intelligence (AI) training for 10 lakh citizens, with priority given to Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs). The announcement was made during the celebration of 10 Years of Digital India and CSC Diwas at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, Dwarka.
The event, hosted by CSC e-Governance Services India Limited (CSC SPV) under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), witnessed participation from key dignitaries including Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of State Shri Jitin Prasada.
“Tea Sellers and Farmers Using UPI—This is India’s Digital Revolution”
Speaking at the event, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw praised VLEs for their pivotal role in the success of Digital India. “When the world questioned whether a tea seller or a vegetable vendor could use digital payments, UPI proved them wrong,” he said. “UPI payments have now overtaken Visa globally—this is the power of 1.4 billion Indians.”
Highlighting the reach of CSCs, Vaishnaw added, “If there is any medium that can connect every village in India, it is CSC.”
He also shared inspiring stories of women VLEs like Manjulata from Odisha and Rose Angelina from Meghalaya, who are leading digital transformation in remote regions despite personal and logistical challenges.
Key Announcements by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw:
Free AI training for 10 lakh individuals, VLEs to get top priority
VLEs to begin offering IRCTC ticket booking services
Government to initiate state-level integration with CSC-SPV platforms
Massive Growth: CSCs Rise from 83,000 to 5.5 Lakh in a Decade
Addressing the gathering, Shri Jitin Prasada highlighted how CSC centres have grown from 83,000 in 2014 to over 5.5 lakh in 2025. “Our VLEs are the true agents of last-mile delivery. With 74,000 women VLEs, CSCs are scripting a new chapter in rural empowerment,” he said.
With India stepping into the era of AI, Prasada emphasized the importance of embracing emerging technologies across agriculture, health, and education sectors to build capacity and ensure cybersecurity awareness.
He also called for allowing VLEs to provide Update Client Lite and state-level services to expand their service portfolios and income opportunities.
CSC – The Engine of Rural Digital Empowerment
Welcoming the ministers, Sanjay Rakesh, MD & CEO of CSC SPV, noted, “Citizens no longer need to travel to cities for basic services. CSCs are delivering government and business services right to their doorsteps, especially in the remotest areas.”
He added, “With the Prime Minister’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, CSC has emerged as a global model of inclusion and grassroots empowerment.”
Nationwide Celebration of CSC Diwas
CSC Diwas was marked with two weeks of celebrations across India from July 1 to 15, with top-performing VLEs being felicitated for their contribution. In Delhi, IT Secretaries from all states gathered at Bharat Mandapam to discuss the future of e-governance and rural digital empowerment.
Digital India: From Vision to Reality
Launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Digital India programme has revolutionized governance, financial inclusion, and internet access. Today, India stands as the third-largest digital economy in the world.
With over 5.5 lakh CSCs led by VLEs, citizens across rural India now have access to:
Aadhaar & PAN services
Passport assistance
Banking & insurance
Telemedicine & education
Legal aid via Tele-Law
Grameen eStores, bill payments & more
