AI for people, applying technology for social good, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• India is hosting the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, coinciding with the World Day of Social Justice on February 20.
• By 2030, AI could generate over 3 million new technology jobs in India while reshaping over 10 million existing ones.
• India's e-Shram platform has enabled over 315 million informal workers to register for social protection schemes.
• The Union Budget 2026-27 announced a committee to assess AI's impact on employment and skills.

Detailed Insights:

• The AI Impact Summit emphasizes human-centered AI for inclusive social development, decent work, and shared prosperity.
• Debates on AI are polarized, with some focusing on productivity growth and others on job losses and inequality, but human governance is key.
• Inclusive AI deployment can reduce inequalities, expand access to training, improve workplace conditions, and benefit both workers and enterprises.
• The International Labour Organization (ILO) collaborates with India and the Global Coalition for Social Justice to strengthen evidence-based AI decision-making.
• AI is expected to transform roles, enhance productivity, and drive innovation, with about 25% of workers globally exposed to generative AI.
• Investments, including Microsoft’s $17.5 billion commitment, support AI integration into platforms like e-Shram and the National Career Service portal.
• The Indian government is proactive in preparing for the future of work through initiatives like the AI Mission and National Quantum Mission.
• Uneven AI exposure exists globally, with low-income countries having only 11.5% employment exposure compared to one-third in high-income economies.
• Targeted public investment in skills, digital infrastructure, and social protection is crucial for ensuring AI fosters inclusion and expands opportunity.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Simulation of human intelligence processes by computer systems.
• Social Justice: Fair relations between the individual and society, including equal access to opportunities.
• e-Shram: Indian government portal for registering unorganized sector workers for social security schemes.