Artificial intelligence is no longer a technology of the future but a reality that demands immediate action. Andhra Pradesh’s Education and IT minister Nara Lokesh emphasized this during a recent conference. He highlighted AI’s transformative potential for the workforce.
Speaking at the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam, Lokesh addressed the theme ‘Artificial Intelligence – Future of Jobs: Turning Disruption into Opportunity’. He assured that AI would create unprecedented employment opportunities. The minister dismissed fears about job displacement by pointing to historical trends.
Lokesh stated that AI is expected to generate 9.7 crore new jobs worldwide by 2025. He referenced past industrial revolutions that created more jobs than they displaced. This AI revolution follows a similar pattern of growth and opportunity.
The minister outlined a comprehensive three-part strategy to prepare Andhra Pradesh’s workforce. The strategy focuses on reskill, redefine, and reimagine. This approach aims to harness AI’s potential effectively.
Under the Reskill initiative, the state government launched the Naipunyam platform. This platform uses conversational AI to evaluate competencies across diverse professions. It covers traditional trades and emerging fields like AI engineering.
Naipunyam offers blended online and offline learning to keep workers adaptable. Lokesh stressed that the era of learning once and working for life is over. Long-term learning is now a necessity for staying future-ready.
The state’s Future Skills Project already focuses on AI ethics and data storytelling. It includes training in robotic process automation and sustainable technology. These efforts ensure workers are equipped for evolving demands.
Addressing the Redefine pillar, Lokesh emphasized that AI cannot replace authentic human creativity. He cited an example of students using ChatGPT for routine work. While convenient, he warned against outsourcing imagination.
As AI accelerates, the human edge will lie in originality and intuition. Judgment remains a uniquely human trait that AI cannot replicate. This perspective encourages leveraging AI as a tool rather than a replacement.
The third pillar, Reimagine, focuses on making AI an equalizer. Lokesh highlighted that 65 percent of India’s population is under 35. This demographic dividend must be channeled through digital literacy and vocational training.
Entrepreneurial support is crucial for harnessing this young workforce. The goal is to ensure AI benefits all segments of society. This approach prevents AI from becoming a divider.
During the event, Lokesh released the report ‘Is India Ready for Authentic AI’. A memorandum of understanding was signed between CII and Bharat Biotech International MD Suchitra K Ella. This partnership aims to provide job skill training and career counseling.
The initiative will offer employment opportunities for 30,000 youth in Vijayawada over five years. This collaboration underscores the commitment to preparing India for the AI revolution. It aligns with the broader strategy to capitalize on AI’s job creation potential.