The future of work is rapidly evolving, and automation and artificial intelligence (AI) are playing an increasingly significant role in shaping the job market in India. As we move into 2023, it is essential to understand the impact of automation and AI on jobs in India and how we can prepare for this changing landscape.
In India, the manufacturing industry has been at the forefront of automation adoption, with robots being used for tasks such as welding, painting, and assembling. This has led to increased efficiency and productivity, but there are concerns that this may lead to job losses. However, there are also opportunities for new job roles, such as robotics engineers, technicians, and operators.
Similarly, AI is being increasingly used in industries such as healthcare, finance, and customer service. AI-powered tools such as chatbots and virtual assistants are being used to automate routine tasks, freeing up time for more complex and strategic work. AI is also being used to analyze large amounts of data, providing insights that were previously impossible to obtain.
While automation and AI are expected to bring significant benefits to the Indian job market, there are also concerns about the potential impact on jobs. Some worry that automation may lead to significant job losses, particularly in low-skilled roles, while others fear that AI-powered tools may replace human workers in certain industries.
To address these concerns, there is a growing focus on reskilling and upskilling the workforce. The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote digital literacy and skill development, such as the Skill India campaign and the National Programme on Artificial Intelligence. Private companies are also investing in training programs to equip workers with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital age.
It is important to note that while automation and AI may lead to job losses in certain industries, they can also create new job opportunities. For example, the rise of e-commerce and online shopping has led to the creation of new job roles in areas such as logistics and delivery.
Some facts related to the impact of automation and AI on jobs in India
According to a report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), India has one of the highest shares of jobs at high risk of automation in the world, with around 69% of jobs at risk.
A report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts that automation could lead to the displacement of around 10 million jobs in India by 2025.
The use of industrial robots in India is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 20% between 2019 and 2025, according to a report by ResearchAndMarkets.
A study by Capgemini found that Indian organizations are more likely to have implemented AI compared to other countries, with 68% of Indian organizations have implemented AI compared to the global average of 51%.
A report by PwC suggests that AI has the potential to add $957 billion to India's economy by 2035.
The Indian government has launched several initiatives to promote skill development, such as the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and the Skill India campaign. As of August 2021, over 1.2 crores (12 million) people have been trained under the PMKVY scheme.
Conclusion
The impact of automation and AI on jobs in India is significant and cannot be ignored. While these technologies offer significant benefits in terms of increased productivity and efficiency, there are also concerns about job losses. The key will be to ensure that workers are equipped with the skills they need to adapt to this changing landscape. By investing in reskilling and upskilling programs, we can ensure that automation and AI enhance, rather than replace, human workers.