Nirmala Sitharaman launches ‘VijAIpatha’ labs in Hosapete govt. schools

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday launched ‘VijAIpatha’, a pilot Artificial Intelligence (AI) education initiative aimed at equipping government school students with future-ready skills in Artificial Intelligence, Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), robotics, coding and digital innovation.

The initiative, implemented by the Cyient Foundation in partnership with the Karnataka government, was inaugurated at the Government Girls’ Pre-University College at Amaravati in Hosapete taluk of Vijayanagara district.

In a rare reversal of roles, students briefed the Minister on AI concepts and demonstrated their learning, which she listened to attentively.

“Programmes such as VijAIpatha will help bridge the digital divide and prepare students from government schools for emerging technologies,” the Minister said, while interacting with students and teachers.

As part of the pilot project, five world-class AI, STEM and Robotics laboratories are being set up in government schools in Hosapete taluk, benefiting over 2,000 students from Classes 6 to 10.

More than 100 teachers have already undergone training, with another batch of teachers to be trained to ensure sustained academic support.

Each school will be equipped with high-performance computers, AI-ready software, Internet of Things-enabled devices, robotics kits, sensors and secure broadband connectivity. The project is expected to positively impact nearly 6,000 households in the region.

Cyient founder-chairman B.V.R. Mohan Reddy said that the programme was a CSR-led effort to democratise access to advanced technology education.

Two fully equipped AI laboratories have been established at the Amaravati PU College alone, benefiting nearly 1,200 girl students. Similar labs have been set up at government high schools in Chittawadgi, T.B. Dam and Kariganur, and at the Adarsha Vidyalaya in Jambunathahalli. The Minister also reviewed the AI curriculum designed for students and teachers.

Mr. Mohan Reddy said around ₹1 crore would be spent over three years to establish and sustain the five laboratories. After the launch, Ms. Sitharaman interacted with students and reviewed the lab facilities.