Context:
The AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, coinciding with the World Day of Social Justice (February 20), emphasized the role of human-centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) in promoting inclusive growth, job creation, and social justice.
Key Highlights:
- Human-Centered AI Approach
- The summit stressed that AI development should prioritize people, not just productivity gains.
- Focus areas include decent work, shared prosperity, and inclusive development.
- AI governance should ensure ethical deployment and equitable access to technology.
- Impact of AI on Employment
- By 2030, AI could generate over 3 million new technology jobs in India.
- At the same time, over 10 million existing jobs may be reshaped or transformed.
- Globally, around 25% of workers are exposed to generative AI technologies.
- Government Initiatives Supporting Workers
- e-Shram Portal
- Registered over 315 million informal sector workers.
- Enables access to social security schemes and welfare benefits.
- Union Budget 2026–27
- Announced a committee to study AI’s impact on employment and skills.
- International Cooperation
- International Labour Organization (ILO) collaborates with India and the Global Coalition for Social Justice.
- Focus on evidence-based policymaking and responsible AI deployment.
- Investment in AI Ecosystem
- Major technology investments support India’s AI ecosystem.
- Microsoft committed $17.5 billion toward AI development and integration.
- AI integration is planned across e-Shram platform and National Career Service portal.
- Global Inequality in AI Exposure
- High-income countries: Around one-third of jobs exposed to AI.
- Low-income countries: Only 11.5% employment exposure, reflecting digital divide challenges.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI):
- Technology enabling machines to perform tasks requiring human intelligence such as learning, reasoning, and decision-making.
- Generative AI:
- AI systems capable of creating content such as text, images, and code.
- e-Shram Portal:
- Launched in 2021 by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- Provides Universal Account Number (UAN) to informal workers.
- Supports social security and welfare scheme access.
- International Labour Organization (ILO):
- UN specialized agency founded in 1919.
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
- Promotes decent work and labour rights globally.
- World Day of Social Justice:
- Observed 20 February.
- Promotes fair employment and social equality worldwide.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Opportunities Created by AI
- Productivity enhancement across industries.
- Creation of new technology-driven jobs.
- Expansion of digital services and knowledge economy.
- Potential to improve governance and service delivery.
- Risks and Challenges
- Job displacement and workforce disruption.
- Increased income inequality.
- Ethical concerns including algorithmic bias and surveillance risks.
- Digital divide between developed and developing nations.
- Role of Government in AI Governance
- Invest in digital infrastructure and data ecosystems.
- Promote AI skill development and reskilling programs.
- Ensure ethical AI frameworks and regulatory oversight.
- Expand social protection systems for displaced workers.
- Importance of Inclusive AI
- AI can improve access to education, healthcare, and financial services.
- Supports e-governance and digital public infrastructure.
- Enables data-driven policymaking and targeted welfare delivery.
- Way Forward
- Strengthen AI literacy and workforce reskilling programs.
- Promote public-private partnerships in AI research.
- Integrate AI into social welfare platforms like e-Shram.
- Develop ethical AI governance frameworks.
- Ensure AI-driven growth remains inclusive and equitable.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS Paper III: Artificial Intelligence, Employment, Digital Economy.
- GS Paper II: Social Justice, Labour Welfare Policies.
- Essay: Technology and Inclusive Development.