30% of India’s jobs at risk from AI, IMF official warns
DAVOS, SWITZERLAND — An official of the International Monetary Fund warns that artificial intelligence (AI) could impact 30% of jobs in India.
In an exclusive interview with India Today at the World Economic Forum, IMF’s first deputy managing director Geeta Gopinath discussed insights from an IMF study estimating 40% of jobs globally face disruption from AI, with advanced economies having over 60% exposure. However, India’s large agricultural sector limits its exposure to 30%.
While this shields India from major negative impacts, it also restricts productivity gains from AI adoption. Gopinath emphasized equipping India’s young workforce with digital skills to leverage AI’s benefits.
The IMF analysis shows middle management roles are most prone to AI substitution. However, lower-skilled workers can quickly gain experience using AI tools. The highly skilled also stand to gain tremendously.
Gopinath predicted significant disruption in India’s call center industry from AI. She advised policymakers to proactively formulate strategies for managing AI’s socio-economic impacts through investments in infrastructure, labor reforms, and MSME support.
“We need to move quickly on all fronts in terms of regulation, but also preparing for substantial disruptions in labor markets,” she stated.
With comprehensive policies fostering responsible AI adoption and social safety nets, countries can progress towards an inclusive AI-powered future.
