AI will not lead to job losses: Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya

New Delhi: Labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya told Parliament on Monday that the applications of artificial intelligence (AI) will not lead to loss of jobs in India and said that, on the contrary, this new technology will open up new job opportunities.

Responding to a question by Kalyan Banerjee (All India Trinamool Congress) in the Lok Sabha on concerns over job losses on account of AI, the minister said, "When internet happened, there was similar speculation that it would lead to loss of jobs. Similar talk was also there when computers were introduced. But today we know that such technological advancement only resulted in more opportunities. So, AI applications will also provide new opportunities for jobs."

On Banerjee lamenting about the lack of adequate jobs in West Bengal, the minister took a swipe saying those who keep running "andolan" (protest) in front of industries in the state should realise its consequences on the job front. He said that given the population of the state, it should have attracted more investment and industries.


The labour minister used the occasion to argue that the steps taken by the Modi government had led to a significant reduction in the unemployment rate in the country. He said the labour force participation rate had increased to 44% from 38% in 2017-18.