AI to Replace Repetitive Jobs but Create New Opportunities, Says Principal Scientific Advisor

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as one of the most disruptive technologies of the 21st century, with the potential to fundamentally transform the nature of work across sectors. While AI is expected to replace a significant number of repetitive and routine jobs, it will simultaneously generate new employment opportunities, provided countries are prepared for this transition. This was emphasized by Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, in an interview with Press Trust of India (PTI) ahead of the AI Impact Summit.

Sood acknowledged that AI-driven automation will inevitably lead to job realignment, but he stressed that this shift should not be viewed with fear. Drawing parallels with the introduction of computers in the 1990s, he noted that technological disruptions often trigger concerns about job losses, which eventually give way to large-scale reskilling and the creation of new roles.

“When computers were introduced, many people believed that jobs related to manual record-keeping and reservations would disappear. At that time, reservations were done in registers, and there was widespread anxiety about employment,” Sood said. “However, people adapted, learned new skills, and the transition was remarkably successful. AI represents a similar moment in history.”

Preparing India’s Youth for an AI-Driven Future

Recognizing the scale and speed of change brought by AI, the Indian government has intensified efforts to equip the youth with relevant skills in emerging technologies. According to Sood, training and skilling programs are being rolled out to ensure that India’s workforce is ready to harness the opportunities created by AI rather than be displaced by it.

As part of this effort, the government is establishing AI and data laboratories in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. These labs aim to provide hands-on exposure to AI tools, datasets, and real-world problem-solving environments, ensuring that access to advanced technology is not limited to metropolitan cities alone.

“This diffusion of AI capabilities across the country is crucial,” Sood said. “The benefits of AI should not be concentrated in a few urban centers. We want its impact to be felt across the length and breadth of India.”

AI’s Impact Across Sectors

AI is expected to open up new job opportunities in a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and education. In agriculture, AI-powered tools can help farmers with crop prediction, soil analysis, and pest management. In finance, AI can enhance risk assessment, fraud detection, and customer service through intelligent automation.

Sood highlighted that India’s primary objective at the AI Impact Summit is to foster global consensus on the future direction of AI based on shared priorities and a common vision.

“As the name suggests, the AI Impact Summit is about understanding how AI’s impact can reach people, major stakeholders, and organizations,” he said. “At the same time, we must address issues related to safe usage, ethical concerns, and associated risks.”

Focus on Inclusive and Responsible AI

One of the government’s key concerns is ensuring that AI-driven growth is inclusive and equitable. Sood emphasized that the benefits of AI should not be distributed unevenly, creating digital divides within society.

“The goal is to make sure AI benefits everyone, not just a select few,” he said. “Responsible adoption, safety, and trust are integral parts of this process.”

To this end, India launched its own AI Mission in 2024, built around seven key pillars. These include the development of advanced computing infrastructure, AI applications, creation of high-quality datasets, development of foundation models, startup financing, skill development initiatives, and the promotion of safe and trusted AI.

Empowering MSMEs Through AI

Sood also made a strong case for accelerating AI adoption among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). He noted that AI has the potential to significantly improve product quality, operational efficiency, and competitiveness for smaller businesses.

“That is the area we need to accelerate,” he said candidly. “AI has not diffused enough among MSMEs, and this is where its impact can be transformative.”

Building a Skilled Talent Pool

The skill development component of India’s AI Mission is ambitious in scale. According to Sood, the initiative aims to support more than 500 PhD scholars, 5,000 postgraduate students, and 8,000 undergraduate students through structured and graded programs.

In addition, the government is encouraging startups to collaborate internationally and forge partnerships with global innovation hubs such as Station F, the world’s largest startup campus based in Paris. These collaborations are expected to boost innovation, knowledge exchange, and global competitiveness for Indian startups.

Looking Ahead

As AI continues to reshape economies and societies, Sood’s message is clear: disruption is inevitable, but so is opportunity. With proactive policy measures, widespread skilling, and a focus on responsible and inclusive adoption, India aims to position itself not just as a consumer of AI technologies, but as a global leader in shaping their impact.