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During the G20 education ministers’ meeting in Pune, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education while acknowledging the associated challenges. In a recorded message, PM Modi urged G20 nations to collaborate and harness technology for the advancement of global education. The meeting served as a platform for accepting outcome documents that outline a roadmap for inclusive and high-quality education worldwide. The education working group, which met in Chennai, Amritsar, Bhubaneshwar, and Pune, focused on addressing global challenges through inclusive solutions and collective actions. Their key priorities included foundational literacy and numeracy, tech-enabled learning that promotes inclusivity and quality, capacity building for future job requirements, and fostering research and innovation through collaboration and partnerships. PM Modi highlighted digital technology as an “equalizer” that promotes inclusivity and expands access to education, emphasizing its role in adapting to future needs. He discussed the importance of integrating technology into learning to enhance the e-learning experience. PM Modi praised the Study Webs of Active-learning for Young Aspiring Minds (SWAYAM), an e-learning portal offering remote access to courses from esteemed institutions. SWAYAM has achieved significant enrollment numbers, providing a wide range of courses from the 9th grade to postgraduate level. Additionally, PM Modi proposed that G20 countries undertake international skill mapping to identify and address gaps. He stressed the need for continuous skill development, re-skilling, and up-skilling of youth to prepare them for the future and align their competencies with evolving work profiles and practices. India is already engaged in skill mapping, and PM Modi encouraged other G20 nations to follow suit. The G20 education ministers’ meeting focused on collaborative efforts to tackle global education challenges and leverage technology, including AI, for the betterment of education worldwide.  

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has expressed that the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has the potential to become an international board, particularly in the Global South, given its popularity in the region. He mentioned that CBSE schools in Singapore and Japan have garnered significant interest, with their teaching methods, particularly in mathematics, being highly sought after. Pradhan stated that the plan to establish CBSE as an international board had lost momentum in the past but is now gaining traction. In addition, Pradhan informed reporters at the G20 4th Working Group Meeting for education that the University Grants Commission (UGC) is in the process of finalizing norms to allow foreign universities to establish campuses in India, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP). He hinted at forthcoming announcements regarding Indian universities opening campuses abroad. Pradhan emphasized that India’s NEP is receiving close attention globally and could serve as a model for emerging economies. He praised the policy’s emphasis on experiential learning, which fosters a new generation of entrepreneurs. The Minister also highlighted the integration of technology-based interventions to assist students preparing for competitive examinations such as IITJEE and NEET. Regarding budgetary allocation for education, Pradhan acknowledged that India currently spends 4% of its GDP on education, falling short of the NEP’s target of 6%. He acknowledged the constraints of resources but reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing funding for education.

Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, has announced the inclusion of cutting-edge courses in the curriculum of technical colleges in the state. Starting from the upcoming academic session, students will have the opportunity to study subjects such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Mechatronics Engineering. During a review meeting of technical institutions, Chief Minister Sukhu stressed the importance of staying at the forefront of technological advancements. As a result, the state government has taken a significant step by introducing a range of courses in various institutions from August 2023. The Government Hydro Engineering College Bilaspur will offer a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) program in Computer Science and Engineering, specializing in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science. This program has received approval from the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and Himachal Pradesh Technical University (HPTU). Additionally, Government Polytechnic institutions in Rohru and Chamba will now offer specialized courses in Computer Engineering and Mechatronics Engineering, respectively. These courses have also been approved by the AICTE. In response to the evolving demands of the industry, 17 industrial training institutes in the state will introduce other courses such as Mechanic Electric Vehicle, Technician Mechatronics, Fibre to Home Technician, Solar Technician (Electric), Internet of Things Technician, and Maintenance Mechanic (Chemical Plant). Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized the importance of practical training and urged collaboration with leading companies to provide students with real-world exposure. By fostering such partnerships, the government aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, equipping students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. To ensure the highest quality of education, the government plans to deploy qualified staff members who will receive specialized training. The introduction of these new-age courses reflects the Himachal Pradesh government’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for technological advancements and generating abundant employment opportunities for the youth in the state.