Mission Digital ShramSetu: AI for Informal Workers

The NITI Aayog has proposed the Mission Digital ShramSetu to transform the lives of India’s 490 million informal workers using artificial intelligence (AI) and frontier technologies.

Report Overview

The report titled "AI for Inclusive Societal Development" emphasizes that AI alone cannot transform the informal sector without intentional human intervention, targeted investments, and a supportive ecosystem.

Key Insights

• Informal sector contributes nearly half of India’s GDP but remains excluded from formal systems.
• The initiative aims to make AI accessible and affordable to informal workers.
• Technology needs to be supported by human-led initiatives to break systemic barriers.

Importance of Collaboration

B V R Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, highlights the necessity of collaboration among government, industry, academia, and civil society.

• Focused R&D to reduce technology costs.
• Building a sustainable ecosystem of innovation for the informal sector.
• Skilling and reskilling at a large scale.

Technology and Empowerment

Digital ShramSetu aims to use technologies such as AI, blockchain, and immersive learning to:

• Dismantle structural constraints like financial insecurity and limited market access.
• Empower workers by enhancing skills, productivity, and dignity in work.

The High Cost of Delay

The report warns that without immediate action, informal workers' average annual income could stagnate at $6,000 by 2047, far below the $14,500 needed for India to achieve high-income status.

The mission calls for immediate, coordinated action to prevent leaving millions behind and to bolster India's growth narrative.