India’s First AI-Focused SEZ launched in Nava Raipur To Push India Towards Digital Modernization

The government plans to introduce India’s first AI special economic zone (SEZ) in Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh, for an investment of ₹1,000 crore. RackBank Datacenters in Indore built this AI Special Economic Zone to support AI innovation, development and deployment, making India more competitive in both using and producing new AI solutions.

Context:

• In the AI SEZ, Nava Raipur will have state-of-the-art data centers for AI and digital operations which will bring to India industry leaders Google, OpenAI, Microsoft and Meta. 

• It should help create many high-tech jobs, especially for people living far from big cities and increase digital infrastructure nationwide.

Key Details:

• Investment and Infrastructure:

  • 6 acres of land costing ₹1,000 crore will build a 1.5 lakh sq. ft. facility.

  • 4 data centers built for high density, totaling 80 MW of capacity.

  • Stronger technology to handle major AI and digital projects.

• Advantages Related to Economics and Regulations:

  • Tax breaks and more relaxed regulations are provided by SEZs to help both foreign and domestic AI firms.

  • Under the SEZ policy, it will encourage more exports, better investment and creativity.

• Having a Global Footprint:

  • Anticipated to include the major activities of Google, OpenAI, Microsoft and Meta.

  • Shows how India is gradually shifting from being only a user to a creator and provider of AI services.

• Social Impact:

  • Offers young people living in Kanker, Sukma, Bilaspur and Dantewada a chance to have high-tech jobs.

  • Helps lower the number of people moving to big cities and seeking work abroad.

• Key programs designed to increase skills:

  • Specialized training planned together with ITIs, engineering colleges and polytechnic institutes.

  • Gets local citizens ready to become IT engineers, cybersecurity experts, data experts and network managers.

About SEZ in India

What is AI focused SEZ in India?

• Such an AI-focused SEZ targets technology and innovation by supporting research, development and selling export-oriented services based on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

• Important areas at SEZs involve IT, biotech, pharma, textiles and manufacturing.

• The main aim of the SEZ Act 2005 is to encourage exporting, foreign investment, employment and economic activity.

AI-Focused SEZs (New-Age SEZs)

Government initiatives for AI in India

• IndiaAI Mission (2023): has been approved with a ₹10,300 crore budget to develop computing for AI and research infrastructure.

• Partners with Startups: Connects AI startups, universities and leading global AI companies for innovation.

• NASSCOM Assists: Helps form and connect AI experts and boost the export of AI-related goods and services.

Importance

• Boosting AI exports is expected in India which may support its aim of reaching a $1 trillion digital economy by the year 2026.

• Provides new possibilities for employment in AI, offers fellowships for research and helps people skill up.

• India’s position in the world AI race is boosted, mainly among developing countries.

Current Status:

• There are 379 total notified SEZs.

• There are 265 operational SEZs.

• Most of the SEZs are located in Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra (which have up to 64% of all SEZs).

• Board of approval is the governing body, chaired by Secretary, Department of Commerce

Objectives of SEZ:

• Encourage economic growth and trade of exports

• Generate employment

• Invite foreign and local investment.

• Create infrastructure facilities.

Baba Kalyani Committee (2018):

Conclusion:

Nava Raipur’s AI SEZ works to boost India’s AI influence, improve technological development, speed up growth of digital networks and create jobs for people in regions where work opportunities are needed. It shows India’s effort to make use of new technologies for growing its economy in an inclusive way and creating a separate and reliable digital economy.

UPSC Prelims Question for Practice (MCQ)

Q. Review the claims below about India’s first artificial intelligence-related Special Economic Zone (SEZ):

• It will be set up in Hyderabad, Telangana.
• RackBank Datacenters has created it using an investment of ₹1,000 crore.
• SEZ intends to bring in big AI companies such as Google and OpenAI.

Which of the statements is/are correct?

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2 and 3

UPSC Mains Question for Practice (MCQ)

Q.1 “Nava Raipur’s SEZ shows India is ready to move from just using AI to building it.” Look at the role SEZs play in promoting digital changes, equitable development and the country’s status in global AI circles. (150 words)