Key Points

India has launched its first Artificial Intelligence Legislators' Forum to educate MPs and MLAs on AI policy. The initiative includes annual fellowships and workshops for 30 lawmakers to discuss ethical AI frameworks. At the launch, MP Shashank Mani emphasized the need for decentralized and humanistic AI access. The forum aligns India with global efforts like the UK and US parliamentary AI groups.

Key Points: India Launches First AI Legislators Forum AILF for MPs MLAs

  • First forum in India for lawmakers on AI policy and governance
  • Aims to bridge gap between AI advancements and legislative readiness
  • Annual fellowships for 30 legislators with workshops and discussions
  • Focus on ethical frameworks, regulatory gaps, and decentralized AI access
2 min read

India's first AI legislators' forum launched

India's first AI Legislators Forum launched to help MPs and MLAs shape AI policies through fellowships, workshops, and expert dialogues on ethical frameworks.

"We need a humanistic AI that can reach anywhere and to everyone - Shashank Mani"

New Delhi, August 21

Future Shift Labs today announced the launch of the Artificial Intelligence Legislators' Forum (AILF), the first of its kind in India, aimed at helping Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) understand and shape policies around Artificial Intelligence. According to a press release by the company, the initiative marks a major step in bridging the gap between India's rapidly growing AI sector and its lawmaking institutions.

At the launch event, Member of Parliament, Shashank Mani emphasized the need for inclusivity in technological progress, saying, "We need a humanistic AI that can reach anywhere and to everyone. The market should be decentralized where AI is in the hands of everyone and anyone with options and not domination."

As AI increasingly influences public service delivery, economic growth, and democratic processes, the forum seeks to bridge a critical gap between India's rapidly advancing AI ecosystem and its legislative preparedness.

The platform brings together lawmakers, technologists, and policy experts to create a dialogue on issues such as ethical frameworks, regulatory gaps, and the challenges emerging from AI adoption. Each year, 30 legislators will participate in fellowships, workshops, and discussions designed to support informed policymaking on the governance and developmental aspects of AI.

Globally, similar platforms like the United Kingdom's All-Party Parliamentary Group on AI and the United States' Congressional AI Caucus have demonstrated the importance of structured platforms for legislators to learn and engage with experts. With AILF, India joins this international effort to develop policies that encourage innovation while ensuring accountability.

The forum was officially inaugurated by Members of Parliament Sujeet Kumar, Shashank Mani, Rabindra Narayan Behera, and Lavu Krishna Devaralayu.

During the event, a report titled "AI in Parliament: Mapping Legislative Engagement since 2014-2025" was unveiled. Authored by Pranjal Dwivedi, Advisor at Future Shift Labs, the report recommended expanding and deepening discussions on AI, highlighting its urgent importance for future governance.

The forum also provided a platform for the launch of Rajya Sabha MP Sujeet Kumar's book "AI on Trial."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally! Our parliament needs to catch up with technology. Hope they discuss data privacy laws and how to protect citizens from AI misuse. Better late than never!
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Arjun K
Good step but hope this isn't just another talking shop. MPs should actually implement what they learn. We need practical policies, not just discussions.
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Sarah B
As someone working in tech, I appreciate this initiative. India has massive potential in AI but we need the right regulatory framework to compete globally. Hope they focus on education and skilling too!
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Vikram M
"Humanistic AI" - love this concept! Technology should serve people, not replace them. Hope they discuss job displacement concerns and reskilling programs. 👍
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Kavya N
Hope they include women lawmakers and consider gender perspectives in AI policy. AI systems often have bias - we need diverse voices in these discussions.

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