AI to boost capability: IT Ministry

In response to a query posed by Rajya Sabha BJP MP Sushil Kumar Modi regarding the socio-economic impact of generative AI on job losses, the IT Ministry clarified that the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not leading to job losses in India. On the contrary, it is projected to boost India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

While acknowledging that certain routine tasks may become automated due to AI, the government emphasised that AI adoption is primarily used to enhance capabilities rather than causing unemployment. The Ministry also highlighted the potential for job creation in various fields like data science and data curation.

To equip the workforce for the changing landscape, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeiTY) has launched FutureSkills PRIME, an upskilling programme focused on ten emerging technologies, including AI.

The government further revealed that AI is predicted to elevate India’s annual growth rate by 1.3% by 2035, contributing around $957 billion (15% of current GVA) to the Indian economy. This estimation appears to be derived from a 2017 report by the IT firm Accenture.

As Europe’s AI Act enters the negotiation phase, discussions and commendations pour in, recognising the significant potential and benefits AI can bring to India’s economic growth and employment prospects.