The fear of automation and losing jobs due to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI) is growing. Speculations of job losses due to this emerging technology are heard from America to North Korea. AI 5.0 and ASI pose a significant threat to jobs in India, particularly in industries that rely heavily on routine tasks and even some skilled professions. However, with proactive measures like up-skilling the workforce, fostering innovation, and creating policies that protect workers, India can harness the potential of AI to create new opportunities rather than solely focusing on the disruption it causes. The future of AI in India depends largely on how industries and policymakers navigate the transition.
Here is a Special Article on the occasion of the two-day Artificial Intelligence Global Summit in Hyderabad.
Warning Bells for Lot of Current Jobs
Recently, Sam Altmann, CEO of OpenAI, the creator of Chat GPT, has admitted that AI will eliminate 'A Lot of Current Jobs'. Meanwhile, the Mckinsey report also stated that the sectors that will be affected the most by the use of AI are office administration, production work, customer service, and sale. It explains that the decline of jobs will likely be concentrated in areas with a high degree of routine and repetitive tasks.
Chat GPT is only a few months old and already causing waves in the business world. Experts say Chat GPT and related AI could threaten some jobs, particularly white-collar ones. List of jobs that are at highest-risk for replacement by AI - Tech jobs (Coders, computer programmers, software engineers, data analysts), Media jobs (advertising, content creation, technical writing, and journalism), Finance jobs (Financial analysts, personal financial advisors), Legal industry jobs (Paralegals, legal assistants), Market research analysts, Accountants, Teachers, Trading advisors, Customer service executives etc.,
An estimate is that 40-80 crore jobs are at risk by 2030. Surveys say that about 35 crore people may have to find new type of employment. There are situations where computers and related machines are completing the tasks of traditional jobs.
Artificial Super-Intelligence (ASI) is a form of AI that is capable of surpassing human intelligence by manifesting cognitive skills and developing thinking skills of its own. Artificial Super-Intelligence is a hypothetical software-based AI system with intellect beyond human intelligence. Also known as super AI, artificial super intelligence is considered the most advanced, powerful, and intelligent type of AI that transcends the intelligence of some of the brightest minds, such as Albert Einstein.
Threat of AI version 5 and ASI to the Indian job market
The advent of advanced AI, including versions like AI 5.0 and Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI), presents both opportunities and challenges for the Indian job market. While these technologies promise significant advancements in efficiency, innovation, and economic growth, they also pose a real threat to various sectors of the Indian workforce.
Automation of Routine Jobs
Low-skill jobs: AI-powered automation systems can easily handle repetitive and routine tasks such as data entry, customer support, manufacturing, and logistics. Many low-skilled jobs in industries like textiles, retail, and BPO (Business Process Outsourcing) could face large-scale layoffs as these tasks are automated.
Call centres and IT services: India’s strong position in the IT services and BPO industry could be threatened by AI-based solutions like chatbots, voice assistants, and automated IT support systems. These could reduce the need for human employees in large call centers.
Skilled Jobs at Risk
Software development and IT: While some areas of IT and software development will still require human oversight, AI systems capable of generating code, fixing bugs, and even designing software could disrupt jobs in India’s booming IT industry. Companies may rely on AI to optimize workflows, reducing the need for large teams of programmers.
Legal, finance, and consulting: AI tools capable of analysing legal contracts, making financial decisions, and providing consulting insights based on large datasets can take over some roles traditionally held by professionals. This could affect jobs in India's legal and finance sectors, which employ a significant number of professionals.
Impact on Manufacturing and Agriculture
Smart manufacturing: AI-driven robotics and automated systems will revolutionize India’s manufacturing sector. Industries like automotive, electronics, and textiles that employ millions in production lines could experience reduced demand for human workers, with machines handling the majority of tasks more efficiently.
Precision agriculture: In agriculture, AI systems could help farmers optimize crop yields using data analytics, drones, and robotics. While this would boost productivity, it may also lead to job losses, especially for unskilled agricultural labourers.
Education and Teaching field
AI-based teaching tools: AI-enhanced learning platforms and automated grading systems may reduce the demand for human teachers in certain areas. While personalized learning through AI can benefit students, it can also reduce job opportunities in education, especially in private institutions.
Health Sector disruption
Medical diagnostics and telemedicine: AI is increasingly being used for medical imaging, diagnostics, and drug discovery. While this has the potential to improve healthcare access and reduce costs, it may also result in reduced employment for diagnostic technicians, pharmacists, and medical researchers.
Artificial Super Intelligence and Job displacement
ASI, if realized, poses an even greater threat, as it could surpass human intelligence in nearly every aspect. ASI could perform complex intellectual tasks better than humans, leading to job displacements.
Obsolescence of Human Labour: ASI might handle all cognitive and physical tasks with precision, leaving fewer areas where human workers could contribute meaningfully. This could lead to a massive reduction in jobs across nearly every sector, not just the routine and mechanical tasks but also creative and strategic roles.
Economic Inequality: The rapid displacement of workers due to ASI could lead to widening economic disparities. Highly skilled workers who can design, manage, or collaborate with AI systems might benefit, while those unable to transition into AI-related jobs could struggle.
Social and Political Disruption: Widespread job losses in key sectors could lead to significant social unrest, increased inequality, and political challenges. In India, where millions depend on stable jobs in traditional industries, ASI could exacerbate existing issues like unemployment and underemployment.
Indian Job Sectors Most Vulnerable to AI 5.0 and ASI
IT & BPO: Automation of customer service, software development, and IT solutions.
Manufacturing: Smart factories and AI-driven robotics replacing manual labour.
Agriculture: Precision farming reducing the need for labour-intensive farming methods.
Healthcare: AI diagnostics reducing human involvement in medical assessments.
Education: AI tutoring systems and adaptive learning platforms reducing the demand for educators.
Logistics: Autonomous systems like drones and robots taking over warehouse and delivery jobs.
Mitigating the AI Threat to Indian Job Markets
Reskilling and Up-skilling: Focus on retraining workers in AI-related technologies, such as machine learning, data science, and AI system maintenance.
Human-AI Collaboration: Emphasize the importance of human workers collaborating with AI systems to enhance productivity rather than fully replace them.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Encourage AI-driven start-ups and innovations, providing new job opportunities in sectors that leverage AI.
Government Policies: Implement policies to regulate AI integration, ensuring that displaced workers are supported through welfare programs and reskilling initiatives.
Fostering New Industries: Promote growth in industries that are less susceptible to AI disruption, such as arts, entertainment, tourism, and fields requiring human empathy and creativity.
