MeitY releases AI governance guidelines, emphasizes human-centric innovation
What's the story
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has launched the 'India AI Governance Guidelines,' a comprehensive framework for ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). The document was prepared under the Principal Scientific Adviser's office and the IndiaAI Mission. It proposes a phased, multi-stakeholder approach that balances innovation with oversight while aligning with existing legal frameworks instead of introducing new legislation.
Human focus
IT Secretary highlights human-centric approach
IT Secretary S Krishnan emphasized that the framework reflects the government's belief in a human-centric, innovation-first approach to technological development. He said, "At the heart of it all is human centricity, ensuring AI serves humanity and benefits people's lives while addressing potential harms." The guidelines stress key principles such as fairness, transparency, safety and proportional accountability.
Collaborative effort
Guidelines developed with extensive industry and academia consultations
The guidelines were developed through a "whole-of-government and multi-stakeholder approach," with extensive consultations from industry, academia, and civil society. The proposed governance structure covers infrastructure, policy and regulation, accountability, risk mitigation and capacity building. New institutional mechanisms are also envisioned for AI oversight coordination such as an AI Governance Group (AIGG) for cross-ministerial coordination; a Technology & Policy Expert Committee (TPEC) for technical and policy inputs; and an AI Safety Institute (AISI) for standard setting and risk assessment.
Gradual rollout
Phased approach for implementation
MeitY plans a "phased approach" to implement these guidelines. In the short term, it will focus on setting up governance bodies, developing a risk classification framework and launching awareness and capacity-building initiatives. Over the medium term, MeitY intends to operationalize an AI Incident Reporting System, establish regulatory sandboxes and integrate AI governance with India's Digital Public Infrastructure. Long-term plans include drafting sectoral rules and refining accountability standards as institutional capacity strengthens.
Risk management
Key recommendations for AI value chain
The guidelines advocate graded responsibility across the AI value chain, promoting transparency reports, grievance redressal mechanisms and compliance-by-design models. They also suggest voluntary "red-teaming" and human oversight for high-risk applications as well as an India-specific risk taxonomy. While the document establishes clearer institutional ownership of AI safety, it still relies on voluntary self-regulation and coordination among existing regulators.
Mission alignment
IndiaAI Mission aims to drive AI adoption across sectors
The guidelines are part of the larger IndiaAI Mission, which seeks to drive AI adoption in key sectors like agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing and natural resources. Krishnan said, "Our focus is primarily on innovation." He added that while they will take necessary action to protect citizens, their main goal is to ensure India harnesses AI for inclusive and sustainable growth.