Pro-poor, industry-friendly policy still relevant in AI age: Mansukh Mandaviya

India's pro-poor and industry-friendly policy is still relevant for job creation and boosting economic growth even in the age of artificial intelligence, Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Tuesday.

Addressing an industrial relations conference, the minister mentioned India's legendary political strategist Chanakya, saying the great leader promoted business, resulting in wealth creation, employment generation and tax collection.

The government can use the tax revenue for the welfare and upliftment of the poor and underprivileged, the minister said, referring to the ancient wisdom of Chanakya.


He said that about 2,000 years ago, Chanakya spoke about how tax revenues can support poor farmers and other sections of society.

Mandaviya also highlighted the importance of workers, who are needed for running businesses.

Businesses cannot run with raw material, technology or Artificial Intelligence (AI) alone, he said, adding that workers will always be needed.

"There is no need to be threatened by AI or technology...workforce would be required to operate that...telephone came, followed by mobile phone and then digital technology. We are doing virtual meetings, but has traffic reduced at railway stations, airports?" he said.

The minister further said, "If one job is lost, then we have to explore two more jobs".

Lauding the Indian model, he said while the developed countries are growing at 2-3 per cent, the country is moving ahead with a growth rate of 7-8 per cent.

"Our government is pro-farmers, pro-poor, but is also industry-friendly because we need to create employment and also take care of the poor."

Referring to the issue of skill upgradation, the minister said the industry needs to design the courses for industrial training institutes and provide apprenticeships to hone their skills.

At the conference, Michiko Miyamoto, Director International Labour Organisation DWT for South Asia and Country Office for India, also talked about upgrading the skills of workers to reap the advantages of demographic dividend for the country.

She said the ILO is continuously working to bridge the skill gap in India.