₹68.98 lakh central budget for high-tech AI labs in four ITIs across the state
Munish Sood
Mandi
Sundernagar, the education and industrial hub of Mandi district, is set to emerge as a new centre for artificial intelligence training with the establishment of an AI Data Lab at ITI Sundernagar under the prestigious India AI Mission.
The lab will provide advanced training in machine learning, data annotation and AI-based technologies, opening new career opportunities for youth in the region. The project is being implemented as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.
Along with Sundernagar, AI Data Labs will also be set up at ITI Raila, ITI Shahpur and ITI Solan. Construction work has already started at ITI Raila, while preparations are underway at the remaining institutes.
Central Budget of ₹68.98 Lakh for Each AI Lab
Each AI Data Lab will be developed in a 70 square metre area with modern digital infrastructure. The state government will spend ₹20 lakh on construction of the lab building and will provide electricity, water supply and furniture.
The central government will invest ₹25.48 lakh for IT infrastructure. Software support will cost ₹50,000 each in the first, second and third year. In addition, ₹14 lakh will be spent annually on trainers and lab staff.
In total, a budget of ₹68.98 lakh for three years has been approved by the Centre for each lab.
Machine Learning and Data Annotation Courses for Youth
In the first phase, a 120-hour Data Annotator course will be introduced, focusing on training students in data labelling and classification — a key requirement for building high-quality AI systems.
Students who have passed Class 10 will be eligible for admission. A Data Curator Assistant course will also be launched to further strengthen AI skill development.
The Directorate of Technical Education has already issued orders for construction of lab buildings so that AI-based courses can start at the earliest.
A New Digital Opportunity for Himachal Youth
The initiative is expected to create a strong AI skill ecosystem in Himachal Pradesh, enabling local youth to access emerging digital jobs without migrating to metro cities.
With Sundernagar now stepping into the AI era, Mandi district is poised to play a leading role in shaping Himachal’s future-ready workforce.
