Examine how AI's rapid adoption can influence India's economic trajectory towards Viksit Bharat. What measures should be taken to mitigate job displacement risks?

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Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI), as a general-purpose technology, is rapidly transforming production systems, governance, and service delivery. For India’s vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, AI adoption can act as a catalyst for productivity, innovation, and global competitiveness, while also posing labour market disruptions.

Influence on India’s Economic Trajectory

Productivity Enhancement: AI-driven automation in manufacturing, agriculture (precision farming), and logistics can raise efficiency and reduce costs.
Service Sector Transformation: In IT, healthcare diagnostics, fintech, and education, AI can improve quality and scalability.
Start-up and Innovation Ecosystem: AI fosters high-value entrepreneurship, attracting global investment and strengthening India’s digital economy.
Governance and Inclusion: AI-enabled DBT targeting, predictive analytics in welfare, and smart urban management can enhance state capacity.
Global Value Chain Integration: Adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies can position India as a technology hub beyond low-cost labour advantages.

Risks of Job Displacement

Routine, repetitive, and low-skilled jobs in manufacturing, BPOs, and clerical services face automation risks, potentially widening income inequality and regional disparities.

Measures to Mitigate Job Displacement

Massive Skilling and Reskilling: Align Skill India with AI, data science, robotics, and digital literacy training.
Education Reform: Integrate computational thinking and interdisciplinary learning under NEP 2020.
Promotion of Human-AI Complementarity: Encourage sectors where AI augments rather than replaces labour (healthcare, creative industries).
Strengthening Social Security: Expand unemployment insurance, gig worker protections, and income support during transitions.
Support for MSMEs: Facilitate affordable AI adoption with safeguards for workforce redeployment.
Ethical and Regulatory Framework: Ensure responsible AI use, transparency, and labour protections.

Conclusion

AI can significantly accelerate India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat by boosting productivity and innovation. However, inclusive growth requires proactive skilling, social protection, and policy foresight to ensure technological progress translates into broad-based prosperity.

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