Government Unveils AI Skilling, Creator Platform and DD Free Dish Upgrades to Boost Digital Media Ecosystem

New Delhi | March 23, 2026 Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday launched three major initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s media, broadcasting, and digital content landscape. The initiatives include a National AI Skilling Programme in partnership with Google and YouTube, the introduction of the MyWAVES citizen creator platform on WAVES OTT, and technology upgrades to improve access to DD Free Dish services. Speaking at the event, the minister said these initiatives are aligned with the vision of Narendra Modi to make technology more accessible and affordable for citizens. He highlighted that new features such as in-built satellite tuners and an advanced electronic programme guide (EPG) will allow users to access television content without requiring additional set-top boxes, simplifying the viewing experience. The National AI Skilling Programme aims to train around 15,000 creators, media professionals, and young individuals free of cost. Implemented through the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, the initiative will focus on emerging fields like animation, visual effects, gaming, and media technology. The training will be delivered in two phases, starting with basic online learning followed by advanced practical sessions, with the goal of building a future-ready workforce. The MyWAVES platform, meanwhile, is designed to encourage citizens to actively create and share digital content in multiple formats and languages, supporting wider participation across the country. Alongside this, enhancements to DD Free Dish are expected to improve access to public broadcasting, especially in remote areas. Officials said these initiatives reflect a broader push to promote India’s creative economy, expand opportunities for content creators, and strengthen the country’s position in the global digital ecosystem. Government Unveils AI Skilling, Creator Platform and DD Free Dish Upgrades to Boost Digital Media Ecosystem Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday launched three major initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s media, broadcasting, and digital content landscape. The initiatives include a National AI Skilling Programme in partnership with Google and YouTube, the introduction of the MyWAVES citizen creator platform on WAVES OTT, and technology upgrades to improve access to DD Free Dish services. Speaking at the event, the minister said these initiatives are aligned with the vision of Narendra Modi to make technology more accessible and affordable for citizens. He highlighted that new features such as in-built satellite tuners and an advanced electronic programme guide (EPG) will allow users to access television content without requiring additional set-top boxes, simplifying the viewing experience. The National AI Skilling Programme aims to train around 15,000 creators, media professionals, and young individuals free of cost. Implemented through the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies, the initiative will focus on emerging fields like animation, visual effects, gaming, and media technology. The training will be delivered in two phases, starting with basic online learning followed by advanced practical sessions, with the goal of building a future-ready workforce. The MyWAVES platform, meanwhile, is designed to encourage citizens to actively create and share digital content in multiple formats and languages, supporting wider participation across the country. Alongside this, enhancements to DD Free Dish are expected to improve access to public broadcasting, especially in remote areas. Officials said these initiatives reflect a broader push to promote India’s creative economy, expand opportunities for content creators, and strengthen the country’s position in the global digital ecosystem.