Future of Employment in an Era of Automation – Drishti IAS

In India, automation is poised to redefine work, with nostalgia and novelty. The coexistence of traditional markets and tech giants reflects a multifaceted transition. Questions loom: Will machines replace IT jobs? How will cottage industries adapt? Will automation integrate into our diverse workforce, creating new collaborations and opportunities?

In the context of employment, automation refers to the use of machinery, artificial intelligence, and software to perform tasks that were traditionally done by humans. This could range from rudimentary tasks like sorting items on a conveyor belt in manufacturing units to more intricate responsibilities like data analysis and decision-making.

For Indians, this is not a distant reality. Think of how Flipkart uses algorithms to optimise delivery routes, or how Zomato employs data analytics to suggest personalised food options. On banking sites like ICICI or HDFC, chatbots handle customer queries, providing instant solutions. The ticketing system of IRCTC, which caters to millions daily, is another prime example of automation at work. In essence, automation, as we see on these prominent Indian platforms, is seamlessly integrating into our daily lives, reshaping industries and redefining roles.

Automation is reshaping India's job market dramatically. Sectors like auto manufacturing, banking, healthcare, and IT are adopting robotics and automation to enhance efficiency. For instance, Chennai's auto manufacturing units integrate robotics for faster and higher-quality production. Banking giants employ chatbots and advanced ATMs, improving customer experiences. Healthcare utilises automated diagnostic tools and surgical assistants for precision and error reduction. IT automation streamlines processes and encourages professionals to acquire specialised skills. Agriculture benefits from drones and automated tractors, promising increased yields. This transformation necessitates Indian workers to adapt, evolve, and prepare for a future where humans and machines coexist harmoniously.

The efficiency brought by automation, while promising, also carries with it the shadows of job displacement, particularly in a country like India with its vast and diverse workforce. Traditional roles, especially in sectors where repetitive tasks are paramount, are increasingly at risk.

Take, for instance, the bustling call centres of Gurugram and Noida. As AI-driven chatbots become more proficient, many customer service roles, especially the initial layers of support, might face obsolescence. In cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, the advent of digital payment platforms and online banking has reduced the footfall in bank branches, gradually lessening the need for traditional bank tellers.

The transport industry, too, faces potential disruption. As India pushes forward with its plans for smart cities and invests in research for autonomous vehicles, the day isn't far when drivers might find their roles being replaced or significantly altered.

Furthermore, sectors like textiles and handicrafts, which have been the pride of places like Jaipur and Varanasi, might also see automation of certain processes, potentially affecting artisans and craftsmen who have honed their skills over generations.

However, it's crucial to note that while this shift might seem alarming, history serves as a testament to human adaptability. Just as the Industrial Revolution in the late 18th century brought with it concerns of widespread unemployment, it eventually led to the creation of entirely new professions and opportunities. In a similar vein, the wave of automation in India, though challenging, also brings with it the promise of novel roles, industries, and avenues yet unexplored.

The advent of automation in India is not just a harbinger of change; it's a catalyst for innovation and new opportunities. While certain roles face obsolescence, a myriad of new job categories are emerging, promising a dynamic employment landscape.

Drawing from reports on the official website of NITI Aayog, the government's premier think-tank, it's evident that India is poised to be a global leader in the AI and robotics sector. This will inevitably lead to the creation of jobs in AI programming, machine learning model training, and robotics control design.

Further, according to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), the effective achievement of India's digital vision has the potential to generate substantial economic worth, ranging from $800 billion to as much as $1 trillion, a considerable increase from the current $200 billion. Moreover, it could also support the creation of 60 million to 65 million jobs in the digital economy by 2025.

Moreover, as cited by NASSCOM, India's IT industry body, there's a growing demand for roles in emerging fields like quantum computing, blockchain development, and augmented reality design.

However, it's essential to highlight that while machines are adept at quantitative tasks, they lack the qualitative touch intrinsic to humans. Skills like empathy, creativity, and intricate problem-solving remain irreplaceably human. This distinction underscores the growing demand in professions such as mental health counselling, content creation, and design thinking roles that machines cannot easily replicate.

In essence, while automation redefines the contours of the traditional job market, India's emphasis on innovation, bolstered by government initiatives and industry foresight, ensures a vibrant tapestry of opportunities awaiting the discerning professional.

In the rapidly evolving Indian landscape, upskilling has become imperative. With a massive population, India's talent pool needs to stay globally competitive through continuous learning. Renowned institutions like IITs and IIMs offer courses on emerging tech trends. Major IT firms like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro have set up training centers and partnered with platforms like Coursera and Udemy for employee upskilling. Renowned institutions like IITs and IIMs offer courses on emerging tech trends. Startups and incubation centers provide workshops on blockchain and machine learning.

This shift means a shift from the traditional "study-work-retire" to a cyclical "study-work-upskill-repeat" model. Digital platforms and MOOCs make learning accessible from home. In the age of rapid technological advancement, upskilling is crucial for professional development.

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and NASSCOM have introduced a digital upskilling incentives program through their platform, FutureSkills Prime. The platform's primary objective is to address the skill shortage among entry-level candidates and provide training in cutting-edge technologies for the current workforce in India.

Digital India initiatives, such as e-NAM, bring tech solutions to farmers, showcasing human-machine synergy. This partnership promises to unlock new opportunities as technology evolves, paving the way for once-dreamed innovations.

The trend of remote work, once a mere blip on India's employment radar, has now surged to the forefront, particularly accelerated by the intertwining forces of automation and the digital revolution.

The pandemic forced most IT companies in India to switch to work from home model. This shift wasn't just a temporary adjustment; many companies are considering adopting a hybrid model, balancing between remote work and office presence.

As per an Economic Times report, Infosys, one of India's IT behemoths, had announced switching to a flexible hybrid work model to address the uncertainty during the pandemic. This speaks volumes about the changing dynamics of work culture in India.

With cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi being known for their notorious traffic snarls, the elimination of commute time is a significant boon for many employees.

MeitY has been a staunch advocate for digital tools and platforms. Their push for Digital India is not just about digitising services but also promoting a work culture that leverages these digital tools, making remote work more seamless.

Companies like Trello, Slack, and Zoom, which facilitate remote collaboration, have witnessed increased adoption rates among Indian businesses. This is a testament to the changing paradigms where efficiency and task completion are taking precedence over fixed working hours.

Moreover, this shift towards remote work is democratising employment opportunities. Talents from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, who earlier faced geographical barriers, are now getting equal opportunities in the national and even global job market. Websites like Upwork and Freelancer have seen a surge in Indian professionals offering their services, indicating a robust trend towards freelancing and project-based employment.

Automation, rather than being a harbinger of joblessness, is a clarion call for adaptation. As we stand at this crossroads, the way forward is not resistance but readiness. Embrace the change, upskill, collaborate, and dive into the dynamic, automated future with both enthusiasm and caution. The landscape of employment is changing, but with the right mindset, it's an era filled with potential and promise.

Sources:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2023/10/03/ai-customer-service-jobs/

https://www.niti.gov.in/sites/default/files/2023-02/Annual-Report-2022-2023-English_1.pdf

https://www.meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/Call%20for%20Proposal-final_.pdf

https://www.pmkvyofficial.org/about-pmkvy

https://indianexpress.com/article/business/economy/artificial-intelligence-expected-to-add-500-bn-to-india-gdp-by-2025-8507775/#:~:text=Artificial%20intelligence%20(AI)%20is%20expected,a%20report%20said%20on%20Monday

https://opengovasia.com/indian-government-launches-digital-upskilling-programme/

Shounak Roy

Shounak Roy finds pleasure in the hunt for knowledge, eagerly seeking to learn something new about anything that interests him. He describes himself as a simple and peaceful individual, always curious to delve deeper into various subjects. If he comes across someone with shared interests, he enjoys engaging in discussions and exchanging knowledge.

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Future of Employment in an Era of Automation - Drishti IAS