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As the world’s most populous country, India - with its 1.4 billion citizens - is uniquely positioned to harness the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance public service delivery.  Recognizing this opportunity, the government has launched the Competency Framework for AI.

UNESCO’s Vision for AI in the Public Sector

Dr Tawfik Jelassi, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, praised the initiative, emphasizing its alignment with UNESCO’s global vision for AI in governance:

India’s Framework Inspired by UNESCO

The Hon. Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, highlighted the framework’s transformative potential: “This framework will empower public sector officials with the skills and knowledge required to navigate the AI landscape effectively. It is my sincere hope that readers will find it a valuable resource for building AI competencies that will not only contribute to India’s growth but also help shape the global AI discourse.”

By adapting UNESCO's framework to suit its local context, India is not only strengthening its domestic AI capabilities but also contributing to global discussions on ethical AI adoption.

Building Competencies Across the AI Lifecycle

The framework outlines role-specific competencies required to integrate AI into public service delivery across various levels of governance and phases of the AI lifecycle. Key responsibilities include:

• Senior Leadership: Defining project objectives and desired outcomes.

• Mid-Level Officers: Translating objectives into technical specifications for development or procurement.

• Junior Officers: Conducting research on potential benefits and risks.

It also emphasizes foundational competencies that span all phases of the lifecycle, such as AI literacy, which includes understanding capabilities, limitations, and human rights considerations like bias prevention, transparency, and accountability.

Strengthening India’s AI Ecosystem

India has been actively expanding its AI ecosystem by improving access to computing power, datasets, startup financing, and safety tools—critical enablers for deploying AI-driven public services such as automated citizen support systems. The Competency Framework adds another pillar by addressing workforce development needs. By identifying essential skills for civil servants at every level, it empowers strategic decision-making on hiring and training.

This initiative aligns with UNESCO’s research on digital transformation prerequisites, ensuring that upskilling efforts translate into meaningful improvements in public service delivery.

UNESCO’s Programme on AI and Digital Transformation

Launched in 2021, UNESCO’s Programme on AI for the Public Sector aims to help governments develop institutional capacity for human rights-based digital transformation. The programme supports civil servants in designing transparent, efficient, and inclusive AI-powered public services.