Opportunity to Dream Big: Raghav Chadha Urges Free Access to Advanced AI Tools for All Indians

AI as a Public Resource

In a significant intervention in the Rajya Sabha, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha urged the government to make advanced AI tools freely available to Indian citizens. His remarks highlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in bridging social and economic gaps, if access is democratized.

Chadha argued that platforms such as ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and Anthropic’s Claude should be provided without subscription costs, ensuring that every Indian — regardless of background or income level — can benefit.

“Opportunity to Dream Big”

Framing AI as a tool of empowerment, Chadha said:

“This is an opportunity for India to dream big. By giving every Indian free access to advanced AI tools, we can transform the way students learn, farmers cultivate, entrepreneurs innovate, and senior citizens manage their daily lives.”

Who Benefits?

According to Chadha, free AI access could have far-reaching impacts:

• Students – Personalized learning support, improved access to knowledge, and exam preparation.
• Farmers – Real-time advice on crops, weather, and markets.
• Businesses & Startups – Lower costs of innovation, automation, and customer engagement.
• Elderly Citizens – AI-driven assistance for healthcare, communication, and day-to-day needs.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Chadha emphasized that AI is currently accessible mostly to urban, affluent users who can afford premium subscriptions. Offering it for free, he argued, would bridge the digital divide, giving rural and underprivileged communities equal opportunity to use cutting-edge technology.

A Global Leadership Moment

He also positioned the proposal as a chance for India to lead globally in AI democratization:

“If we can make AI accessible to all Indians, we won’t just be a user of technology — we’ll set the standard for inclusivity and innovation worldwide.”

Looking Ahead

Chadha’s call comes at a time when India is rapidly scaling up its Digital India mission and investing in AI research. His proposal adds to the growing debate on whether AI should be treated as a public good, much like the internet or electricity.

While the government has not yet responded formally, the suggestion has already sparked conversations about digital rights, equity, and India’s role in the global AI race.