The government says it is now using technology in a big way to make welfare schemes work better on the ground. At the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said AI is helping reduce wastage and save around Rs 250 crore every year in schemes like free ration and power supply. The minister explained that AI is already making a difference on the ground from ensuring free ration reaches millions to helping prevent power cuts through smarter grid systems.
AI now powers India’s massive free ration programme
Joshi pointed to the Prime Minister’s Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, under which free food grains are being distributed to more than 80 crore people.
Running a scheme of this scale is a logistical challenge, but the minister said technology has made the system faster, cleaner and more transparent.
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AI-based monitoring is helping the government track grain movement, manage storage better and stop leakages that have traditionally affected the ration network.
In simple terms, Joshi said, digital tools are ensuring that food reaches the right people with fewer irregularities along the way.
Less crop wastage, more savings for the system
India has long faced the problem of crops getting wasted due to weather damage, poor storage and transport delays.
Joshi said AI is now being used to improve planning at every stage from predicting weather changes to deciding smarter transport routes and storage needs.
This has helped reduce post-harvest losses and brought major savings.
According to the minister, the government is saving around Rs 250 crore annually simply by cutting wastage and improving efficiency through technology.
The hidden tech behind round-the-clock electricity
Food is not the only area being transformed. Joshi said AI is helping make electricity supply more reliable by tracking demand in real time, spotting faults early and speeding up repairs, leading to fewer power cuts and a more efficient grid.
Global AI summit in Delhi draws over 100 countries
The India AI Impact Summit 2026, being held at Bharat Mandapam from February 16 to 20, has attracted global attention. More than 100 countries and over 300 companies are participating, making it one of the biggest international platforms focused on real-world AI use.
Joshi said the summit reflects how AI is shifting from theory to practical governance and public benefit.
Eight working groups shaping the future of AI in India
The summit is also hosting discussions on how AI should be used responsibly. Eight working groups are currently debating AI’s role in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education and energy.
The focus is not just innovation, but also regulation - ensuring AI remains safe, privacy is protected and misuse is prevented.
Joshi said the recommendations will be shared through a joint statement, and the theme for next year’s summit will also be announced soon.
AI is moving from labs to everyday life
Joshi’s message was simple: AI is no longer limited to tech companies or research labs.
It is now helping the government deliver food, manage crops, improve electricity supply and save public money - all while making systems more transparent.
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