New Delhi: Microsoft India today launched a program under which it will train 5000 government employees over the next year on AI (artificial intelligence) and cloud computing skills. The program, called'Digital Governance Tech Tour', will comprise of physical and virtual workshops, said the company in a press release. The program was inaugurated by Amitabh Kant, chief executive of NITI Aayog, the government's policy think-tank and Ajay Prakash Sawhney, secretary, MeITY (The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology). The company said that the program will be open to technocrats and IT professionals across in the government, including employees of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs); government partners as well as solutions/systems integrators and is free of cost. Under the program, developers can earn the AZ-900 Certification, which demonstrates foundational level cloud computing skills on the spot at no cost, after clearing an exam.

Microsoft has revealed the Digital Governance Tech Tour, which is a national program to offer AI and Intelligent cloud computing skills to the Indian Government officials in charge of IT. The initiative includes a series of virtual and physical workshops and even aims to train around 5000 personnel in 12 months, the announcement says. Use of Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing technologies can extensively contribute and help accelerate this vision. Executive Opinion CEO, NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant, said, "For our country, the power of AI, cloud services, and data analytics needs to be brought to bear in core sectors for inclusive economic growth. As we move beyond pilots and understand how to scale AI implementation and cloud adoption across states and sectors, it is vital to equip the ecosystem with the right know-how and skills. Collaboration with academia and the industry and initiatives such as this will help build the foundation towards an AI-enabled future."