Nirmala Sitharaman: AI to Create Skilled Jobs, Not Reduce Employment

• Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarified that AI's purpose is to create skilled jobs and boost productivity, not reduce employment.
• AI and deep tech are already integral in government departments like Income Tax and GST for tracking transactions, and in rural tech, agriculture, and animal husbandry for predictions like crop yield.
• Sitharaman emphasized that AI will generate new employment for trained individuals, leading to budget measures for strengthening technical education in schools and colleges.
• Pilot AI training programs have been launched in ITIs in three states, with master trainers deployed to prepare students for market needs.
• The government aims to transform India into a global AI hub through initiatives like the AI Mission and National Quantum Mission, focusing on infrastructure and talent development.

Why It Matters: AI aims to create skilled jobs and boost productivity across sectors, not reduce employment.