Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Karnataka CM Shivakumar announces AI education programme in I-Day speech
On India's Independence Day, the leader of Karnataka, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, made a big speech in Bengaluru.
He announced a new plan called 'AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula' to teach artificial intelligence in schools.
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is smart computer technology that lets machines think and learn.
Starting from Class 6, students in all schools across Karnataka will learn about AI.
He also wants to build India's first government-owned AI university in Bengaluru and make the city India's 'AI capital'.
He believes this will help young students compete with young people all over the world.
He made many other promises too, like improving exams, filling government jobs, and helping farmers with drones and satellites.
Even India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, talked about AI on the same day and promised AI training for one crore young people.
Shivakumar's big goal is to make Karnataka's economy worth three trillion dollars by 2047.
He said his government wants security for every family, dignity for every citizen, and opportunities for the youth.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced the 'AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula' programme in his maiden Independence Day speech.
AI education will be introduced in all schools across the state from Class 6, with AI certificate courses to begin by January 2027 and AI hubs planned across the state.
The government proposes to establish India's first government-owned AI university in Bengaluru, aiming to turn the city into India's 'AI capital'.
Karnataka has set a target of becoming a USD 3 trillion (Rs 320 lakh crore) economy by 2047; its GSDP currently stands at Rs 32.81 lakh crore with per capita income of Rs 4.33 lakh.
Other announcements included filling about 72,000 government vacancies within six months, a Rs 20,000 crore Advanced Manufacturing Cluster at Doddaballapura (job estimates differ between reports), and an exam-reform committee report within two months.
- Who
- Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also emphasizing AI training in his Independence Day speech
- What
- Announced the 'AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula' programme to introduce AI education from Class 6 in all schools, plus a planned government-owned AI university in Bengaluru and a USD 3 trillion (Rs 320 lakh crore) economy target for 2047
- When
- Saturday, August 15 (Independence Day)
- Where
- Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Parade Ground, Bengaluru, Karnataka; PM Modi spoke at the Red Fort in Delhi
- Why
- To prepare students for a new technological era and global competition in AI, and to outline Karnataka's development vision including a larger economy and more jobs
Government and CM's vision
Critics' perspective
Bengaluru's development record
Government and CM's vision
The CM says infrastructure projects worth Rs 1.5 lakh crore are underway in Bengaluru, including the new Bengaluru Business Corridor ring road, to make the city India's 'AI capital'.
Critics' perspective
The article notes Bengaluru has become 'synonymous with crumbling infrastructure' and that the Congress government has faced criticism over a lack of development, which the announcements seek to counter.
Delivery of big promises
Government and CM's vision
The government cites concrete steps and deadlines, such as filling about 72,000 vacancies within six months and an exam-reform committee report within two months.
Critics' perspective
A related headline asks 'Big promises, but questions on delivery', and the CM has barely two years left in office before his term ends.
- Programme
- AI Akshara Abhiyana and Coding Gurukula (spelled 'Coding Gurukul' in one report)
- AI education from
- Class 6 in all schools across Karnataka
- AI certificate courses
- To begin by January 2027; AI hubs to be established across the state
- Planned AI university
- India's first government-owned AI university, in Bengaluru
- Economy target
- USD 3 trillion (Rs 320 lakh crore) by 2047; current GSDP Rs 32.81 lakh crore
- Per capita income
- Rs 4.33 lakh, nearly twice the national average
- Government vacancies
- About 72,000 to be filled within six months
- Advanced Manufacturing Cluster
- Doddaballapura; around Rs 20,000 crore investment; job estimates differ between reports (about 1 lakh vs about 3 lakh)
