Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw today announced that the government will train 15,000 content creators and media professionals for free under the National AI Skilling Initiative in partnership with YouTube.
In an official report on the PIB, the ministry said Vaishnaw has launched three major initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s media, television and digital sectors and promoting the creative economy. All three below are part of what the center calls the “Orange Economy”:
- MyWAVES, a citizen creation platform on WAVES OTT; and
- Introduction of advanced Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and built-in satellite tuners in TVs for better access to DD Free Dish services.
“Empowering Makers Through Artificial Intelligence”
Speaking about the partnership’s impact on creators, Gunjan Soni, MD – India, YouTube said in a statement that AI has the potential to open up remarkable opportunities for India’s dynamic creative economy.
“Through our collaboration with the Ministry of I&B and IICT, we aim to equip creators and professionals with the skills needed to master the tools of the future, use AI to tell more compelling stories, expand their reach to new audiences and play a role in shaping the future of media. This initiative reflects our continued commitment to ‘Digital India’, where technology serves as Sony’s tool for all.”
“The initiative will support creators, media professionals, students and developers to build future-ready skills and help make India a global hub for digital content and innovation,” the ministry said in a statement.
Promotion of the orange economy: what is it?
The ministry added that its efforts are part of a commitment to promote the “orange economy”, strengthening public broadcasting along with improved accessibility and building a future-ready, AI-ready skilled workforce for the media and entertainment sector.
Prasar Bharati continues to play a key role in improving public service broadcasting, while IICT will drive the AI skills program for the creative sector and WAVES OTT will provide a platform for citizen participation and content creation, including a tie-up with the Create in India challenge.
In particular, in Budget 2026, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the “orange economy” which includes creative sectors including animation, design, gaming and live entertainment. The Economic Survey 2026 also noted that creative sectors could potentially drive employment, tourism and urban services.
