India Officials: AI Threatens Jobs, Skilling Crucial

This sentiment is echoed by Zoho co-founder Sridhar Vembu, who suggests considering alternative livelihoods for coders. However, other top officials present a more optimistic outlook.

Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta and Principal Scientific Advisor Ajay Kumar Sood believe AI's net impact on employment will be positive, creating new opportunities despite job realignment. The government's strategy focuses on preparing youth for an AI-dominated world through skilling initiatives and promoting non-cognitive jobs in sectors like the care economy, health, tourism, and creative industries, which are less susceptible to AI disruption.

India launched its AI Mission in 2024, establishing AI and data labs in smaller cities to foster hands-on exposure and prepare the workforce for this technological shift.