New Delhi, Mar 3 (KNN) The Indian government is expediting the implementation of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, with the establishment of the Data Protection Board (DPB) as a key priority for the fiscal year 2025-26.

According to the recently released Outcome Budget, the government aims to achieve 75 per cent completion in setting up the DPB’s digital office, including recruitment and platform development, along with notifying 25 rules under the Act.

The DPB, once established, will serve as an independent regulatory authority responsible for enforcing the DPDP Act, addressing data breaches, investigating complaints, and imposing penalties on entities that violate data privacy regulations.

In parallel, the government has set ambitious targets under the IndiaAI Mission, a Rs 10,783 crore initiative aimed at advancing artificial intelligence in the country.

The Outcome Budget outlines the establishment of 20 AI Curation Units across various Central ministries and 80 IndiaAI labs nationwide. Additionally, the mission will fund 25 deep-tech startups and support three industry-led projects.

The startup financial vertical of the IndiaAI Mission aims to provide funding support for deep-tech AI startups.

This aligns with Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s announcement in the Interim Budget 2024 regarding the exploration of a dedicated Fund of Funds (FoF) to support emerging DeepTech companies.

The government’s broader vision also includes integrating AI into governance and public services. Through the IndiaAI Mission, the government plans to develop at least five applied AI projects to tackle national challenges, reinforcing its commitment to harnessing AI for social and economic development.

The Outcome Budget, released on February 15, provides a comprehensive overview of government allocations, expected results, and measurable outcomes, ensuring transparency and accountability in public expenditure.

(KNN Bureau)