AI labs to be established in 10 Thiruvananthapuram Colleges, Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar

The BJP-led NDA’s candidate in Thiruvananthapuram and Union Minister, Rajeev Chandrasekhar has announced the setting up of Artificial Intelligence Labs in 10 colleges within the constituency.

The minister said that the labs will function with the help of a 'Global AI giant'.

"We have got applications from 17 colleges, and as a first phase, AI labs will be allocated to 10 of them. The names are yet to be finalised," Chandrasekhar said.

The labs are allotted under the new India AI Mission.

India is planning to establish a comprehensive AI ecosystem in the country with an expected cost outlay of Rs 10,361 crore.

The minister mentioned that Rs 2,000 crore has been allotted to boost AI startups.  

He also said the number of AI labs is not going to be restricted, and in the next five years, any college that wants one will have one with government support.

Reacting to queries on why he has chosen to award 10 labs to colleges in Thiruvananthapuram, Chandrasekhar, hinting at his candidature in the constituency, said he now obviously has a reason to give to colleges in the Kerala capital.

"I have a reason to start here. I have come here to represent Thiruvananthapuram," said the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Electronics and Information Technology and Jal Shakti.

He said there is nothing unethical in using the government machinery to announce the projects for Thiruvananthapuram, as he is happy to do it for the people of Thiruvananthapuram.

"I am the candidate, and that is why I am doing it. I do not have anything to cover up in this," Chandrasekhar said.

He said he wanted to do these things before becoming an MP (of Thiruvananthapuram), and he is doing it.