AI for Social Justice: India's Role in Inclusive Development
India's AI journey offers a laboratory for human-centered AI, social justice.
Editorial Analysis
AI's transformative power requires governance that advances social justice, decent work, and shared prosperity. India, with its large user base and potential for AI-driven job creation, can lead the way in responsible AI deployment and inclusive development.
Main Arguments:
- AI's impact on jobs is transformative, not solely about replacement, but about reshaping roles to enhance productivity and innovation.
- Inclusive and responsible AI deployment can reduce inequalities, expand access to training and employment, and improve workplace safety and conditions.
- Effective policy and governance frameworks, along with meaningful worker participation and social dialogue, are essential to ensure equitable and inclusive outcomes across the world of work.
- Technology should primarily serve workers and societies, aligning technological ambition with social purpose to strengthen trust, inclusion, and dignity at work.
Counter Arguments:
- Debates on AI are often polarized, emphasizing either surging productivity growth or job losses and rising inequality, overlooking the fundamental truth that human beings determine outcomes.
- AI exposure is uneven, with persistent gaps in access to technology and skills across regions, countries, genders, age groups, and social categories.
Conclusion
Policy Implications
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming lives, requiring governance that advances social justice. India, hosting the AI Impact Summit, has a large user base for AI platforms. AI could generate over three million new technology jobs in India by 2030.
Inclusive and responsible AI deployment can reduce inequalities and expand access to training and employment. The ILO supports this agenda through the Global Coalition for Social Justice. India's e-Shram platform enables informal workers to register for social protection schemes.
The Union Budget 2026-27 announced a committee to assess AI's impact on employment and skills. AI exposure is uneven, requiring tailored policy approaches and international collaboration.
Key Facts
India is hosting the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
India has the world’s largest share of monthly active users of the ChatGPT mobile application.
AI could generate more than three million new technology jobs in India by 2030.
India’s e-Shram platform enables over 315 million informal workers to register for social protection schemes.
The ILO is working with India and other partners of the Global Coalition for Social Justice to support this agenda.
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Social Justice - Role of AI in reducing inequalities
GS Paper III: Science and Technology - Developments and applications of AI
Ethical considerations in AI deployment and its impact on society
In Simple Words
AI is changing how we live and work. It can create new jobs and make things more efficient. But it's important to make sure everyone benefits, not just a few. We need to guide AI so it helps create a fair society.
India Angle
In India, AI can help people in many ways, like connecting informal workers to social programs. It can also help students get better education and workers find better jobs. But we need to make sure everyone has access to these opportunities.
For Instance
Think of it like when a new highway is built. It can bring new businesses and jobs, but it's important to make sure that people who live near the highway also benefit, not just those who can afford to use it.
AI will affect everyone's life, from farmers to shopkeepers. It's important to make sure it creates a better future for all of us, not just a more unequal one.
AI should lift everyone up, not just a few.
Visual Insights
Key Statistics on AI and Social Justice in India
Highlights key figures from the article regarding AI's impact on job creation and the importance of inclusive AI development in India.
- AI's Potential Job Creation in India by 2030
- 3 Million+
Indicates the significant potential of AI to generate new employment opportunities in the technology sector.
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
In recent years, there has been increased focus on developing national AI strategies globally. Many countries are investing in AI research and development, skill development programs, and ethical guidelines for AI deployment. These strategies often emphasize the importance of international collaboration to address the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.
India has been actively participating in international forums and collaborations related to AI. The government has launched initiatives to promote AI adoption across various sectors, including healthcare, agriculture, and education. These initiatives aim to leverage AI for improving efficiency, productivity, and access to services.
Looking ahead, the focus is likely to be on ensuring that AI deployment is aligned with the principles of social justice and inclusivity. This will require addressing issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the potential impact on employment. Continued investment in skill development and ethical frameworks will be crucial for realizing the full potential of AI for inclusive development.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the potential impact of AI on job creation in India, as highlighted in the topic?
AI is projected to generate more than three million new technology jobs in India by 2030, indicating a significant positive impact on the employment sector.
Exam Tip
Remember the projected number of jobs (3 million) and the year (2030) for potential prelims questions.
2. How does the e-Shram platform contribute to social justice in India?
The e-Shram platform enables over 315 million informal workers to register for social protection schemes, facilitating access to government benefits and promoting inclusive development.
Exam Tip
Note the number of workers registered on the e-Shram platform, as it reflects the scale of India's informal sector and the government's efforts to include them.
3. What is the role of the ILO in promoting social justice in the context of AI?
The ILO is working with India and other partners of the Global Coalition for Social Justice to support a human-centered approach to AI, ensuring that technology advances social justice and reduces inequalities.
4. Why is the topic of 'AI for Social Justice' currently relevant in India?
India is hosting the AI Impact Summit and has a large user base for AI platforms, making it a crucial testing ground for ensuring AI deployment is inclusive and responsible. The Union Budget 2026-27 also reflects the government's focus by announcing a committee to assess AI's impact on employment and skills.
5. What are the potential benefits and risks of using AI for social justice in India?
AI can reduce inequalities and expand access to training and employment, but uneven exposure to AI and potential biases in algorithms pose risks. Careful policy approaches and international collaboration are needed to mitigate these risks.
6. What are the key facts to remember about AI and social justice for the UPSC Prelims exam?
Key facts include: India hosting the AI Impact Summit, the potential for AI to create over three million jobs by 2030, the number of informal workers on e-Shram (315 million), and the ILO's involvement in promoting social justice through AI.
Exam Tip
Create flashcards with these key facts for quick revision before the exam.
7. What steps should the Indian government take to ensure that AI deployment is inclusive and benefits all sections of society?
The government should focus on tailored policy approaches to address uneven AI exposure, invest in skill development programs to prepare workers for AI-related jobs, and promote international collaboration to share best practices and address ethical concerns.
8. What is the significance of the Union Budget 2026-27 announcement regarding AI and employment?
The Union Budget 2026-27 announced the formation of a committee to assess AI's impact on employment and skills, signaling the government's proactive approach to understanding and addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI.
9. Explain the concept of 'human-centered AI' in the context of India's AI development.
Human-centered AI emphasizes that AI systems should be designed and deployed in a way that prioritizes human well-being, social justice, and ethical considerations. It means focusing on how AI can augment human capabilities and improve lives, rather than simply automating tasks.
10. Who are the key personalities associated with the 'AI for Social Justice' initiative mentioned in the topic?
Mansukh Mandaviya and Gilbert F. Houngbo are key personalities associated with the 'AI for Social Justice' initiative.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in India: 1. AI is projected to generate over three million new technology jobs in India by 2030. 2. India hosted the AI Impact Summit, highlighting its role in the global AI landscape. 3. The Union Budget 2026-27 announced the formation of a committee to assess AI's impact on employment and skills. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three statements are correct. The source explicitly mentions that AI could generate over three million new technology jobs in India by 2030. It also states that India hosted the AI Impact Summit. Finally, the Union Budget 2026-27 announced a committee to assess AI's impact on employment and skills. Therefore, all the statements are factually accurate according to the provided information.
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Source Articles
AI for people, applying technology for social good - The Hindu
Military AI and the urgency of guardrails - The Hindu
AI In Focus: The 2026 AI Impact Summit put in perspective - The Hindu
At the last frontier of thought: will AI kill creativity? - The Hindu
Connecting technology and society - The Hindu