Empowering the Last Mile: Inclusive AI for All
Om Gupta · 2025
The vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 is founded on inclusive growth, where development is deeply enmeshed in equity and social justice. This chapter explores the transformative power that Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds in advancing last-mile inclusion by addressing the fundamental priorities of a Viksit Bharat and by leveraging India’s foundational digital public infrastructure and rapid technological prowess; AI can bridge long-standing gaps in access, affordability, and quality. The chapter provides an overview of the problems and examines how AI-driven solutions are being used to address them. Enhancing learning outcomes, supporting children with special needs, and empowering tribal and rural communities through adaptive educational technologies in the education sector. In healthcare, AI is reshaping early diagnosis, maternal and child health services, tuberculosis management, and even water security, reducing inequities in service delivery. In agriculture, AI-powered advisory systems are equipping marginal farmers with knowledge and tools to improve productivity and disaster resilience. For marginalized communities, including transgender persons and other vulnerable groups, AI is providing dignity, toleration, representation, and safety. Further, AI-enabled solutions in finance and disaster risk reduction are bridging finance gaps, strengthening social security, and disaster readiness. This chapter argues that AI is not merely a tool to enhance productivity but a categorical imperative in public policy for achieving an inclusive Viksit Bharat. The discussion highlights the opportunities at hand while underscoring the challenges: Need for responsible governance and people-centric design in harnessing AI for equitable and inclusive growth.