Gen AI: A game changer for jobs and entrepreneurship in India

Speaking at the Mumbai Tech Week on February 28, Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran emphasised that Generative AI (Gen AI) will be a net job creator for India, not a disruptor. He highlighted AI’s transformative potential, stating that it will greatly boost workforce productivity and fuel entrepreneurship across the nation. Addressing concerns over AI-induced job losses, Chandrasekaran clarified that while certain routine jobs may be phased out, Gen AI will primarily augment human capabilities rather than replace them.

Despite concerns, Gen AI adoption will undoubtedly act as a net job creator for India. The reality is that some routine jobs will be phased out. But in most situations, jobs will not be lost. Instead, AI and Gen AI will assist low-skilled workers in performing at a significantly higher level of productivity,” he remarked.

According to Chandrasekaran, this increase in efficiency will not result in mass unemployment but rather a redefinition of job roles and an expansion of economic opportunities. AI will allow workers to take on more complex tasks with greater ease, thereby boosting overall productivity.

Beyond enhancing workforce capabilities, Chandrasekaran emphasized that Gen AI will also play a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship. He noted that traditionally, starting a business in India – apart from software startups has required significant human talent. However, with the rise of AI-powered tools, aspiring entrepreneurs will be able to launch and manage businesses with minimal manpower.

“Gen AI will enable every person with an idea to start a business with very few people,” he stated, reinforcing that AI will lower barriers to entry for new enterprises and empower individuals to turn innovative ideas into reality.

To fully harness the potential of artificial intelligence, Chandrasekaran called for the creation of an ‘India AI Stack’ – a structured framework to guide the country’s AI revolution. He outlined four essential pillars for this initiative:

Foundational Layer: This layer will provide core computing infrastructure and secured data repositories, ensuring a strong technological backbone for AI development.
Capability Layer: This component will focus on building AI models, developer toolkits, and other horizontal elements that leverage the foundational infrastructure.
Application Layer: Designed to cater to different sectors and functionalities, this layer will enable AI-powered solutions for businesses and government operations.
Governance Layer: Ensuring responsible AI deployment, this layer will establish regulations and policies aligned with Indian values and priorities.

Chandrasekaran’s views echo those of TCS CEO K Krithivasan, who recently stated that while AI agents will bring major innovations, they will not entirely replace engineering roles. Instead, AI will reshape how these roles function, leading to a shift in job responsibilities rather than outright job displacement.

With its ability to enhance productivity, support entrepreneurship, and drive innovation, Gen AI is poised to be a transformative force for India’s economy. By focusing on strategic AI adoption and developing an India-centric AI framework, the country can ensure that AI-driven advancements lead to widespread employment opportunities and sustainable growth.