AI in Schools Soon, Says Sridhar Babu

Hyderabad: In view of the growing prominence of artificial intelligence (AI), the state government was considering introducing lessons on basic concepts of AI from Class 7 onwards in schools. Depending on the stakeholder feedback, it will be open to bring policy changes to aid in faster integration of AI across sectors, said IT and Industries minister D. Sridhar Babu.

The state was working to double IT exports from Rs 2.75 lakh crore in about four years, he said, adding that the current exports are mainly on the back of software coding. There is scope to enhance the productivity and value if AI is used on a wider scale, he said adding Telangana is aiming to be a global AI hub.

The government has planned to set up AI City in about 200 acres towards Mucherla and efforts will be made to double its size. The guidelines for setting up the AI City will be finalised in October, after drawing feedback from AI industry players, the minister said.

Focus will be on using AI to enhance productivity in government departments as well to improve the quality of service to citizens. On complying with ethical and regulatory norms, the minister said there are no such provisions on these lines as of now but the government will take note of such issues.

On possible job losses due to the use of AI, the minister said that there is a risk of job losses whenever a new technology is introduced. However, once it is mainstreamed, the balance will return. He said the government was optimistic about productive gains with the use of AI. and wants to take up measures in this direction.

The state government is organising the Global AI Summit on September 5 and 6 at HICC, he said.

L. Rama Devi, director, of the emerging technologies wing, said the government has devised an AI-driven platform to protect children from falling prey to narcotics. It is likely to be unveiled at the global summit.

The government also has plans to use AI in the judiciary where similar offences and their related judgments will be grouped to aid in faster disposal of cases. There are many use cases to enhance productivity using AI, she said.

Prashanth Nandella, president of Hyderabad Software Enterprises Association, said the industry body is working with the government on this. “We are at the forefront of experiencing the impact, power, and potential of an AI-driven future. We plan to upskill over 10,000 students in AI/GenAI in collaboration with TASK, T-Hub, TSIC, and other key government organisations,” he said.