NEW DELHI, Aug 15 (Alliance News): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced free online coaching for competitive examinations and plans to train 10 million young people in artificial intelligence (AI), seeking to ease financial pressure on students and families.
Addressing the nation from the historic Red Fort during Independence Day celebrations, Modi said the government would provide free online lessons for various competitive examinations, using India’s digital public infrastructure and its pool of teachers and educators.
The announcement comes weeks after youth-led protests over examination paper leaks and recruitment controversies intensified pressure on the government. The protests eventually led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan last month.
Modi said the new initiative would particularly benefit poor and middle-class families, who often spend substantial amounts on private coaching as students compete for admission to prestigious institutions and government jobs.
He said students would be able to remain with their families while accessing quality coaching online, reducing both educational expenses and the financial burden on parents.
India has a large and highly competitive examination system, with government employment and admission to public universities remaining important routes to economic security for millions of young people.
The pressure has contributed to the rapid expansion of the private coaching industry, with students often spending years preparing for entrance and recruitment examinations.
10 million youth to receive ai training
Modi also announced an ambitious programme to provide AI training to one crore, or 10 million, young people within the next year.
The initiative is aimed at expanding access to emerging technologies and preparing India’s workforce for an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, automation and digital services.
The prime minister said India’s young population would play a central role in transforming the country into a developed economy.
The announcements come against the backdrop of growing concern among Indian youth over education, employment opportunities and access to affordable preparation for competitive examinations.
Authorities have taken several measures following the recent protests, including stronger penalties for examination paper leaks.
seven-point growth framework
In a speech lasting more than an hour, Modi also outlined a seven-point growth and reform framework aimed at helping India achieve developed-country status over the next two decades.
The framework places emphasis on manufacturing, agriculture, technology, defence, tourism, yoga and handicrafts, alongside other areas of economic and social development.
Modi said India should establish itself as a trusted global supply-chain partner and expand its manufacturing capabilities.
He also announced plans for the establishment of eight additional semiconductor plants in the coming years, as India seeks to strengthen its position in the global technology and electronics industry.
The prime minister further said five nuclear reactors would be developed to generate 100 gigawatts of electricity by 2047.
India has already moved to allow greater private-sector participation in nuclear power projects as part of its efforts to expand electricity generation and diversify its energy sources.
Modi said India’s development plans would create significant opportunities for younger generations, describing youth as among the biggest beneficiaries of a developed India.
The latest announcements reflect the government’s effort to combine education and skills development with its broader economic transformation agenda, while addressing concerns over the affordability of competitive examination preparation and the changing demands of the job market.
