Will Automation take your Jobs? Automation Vs Employment | UPSC Mains GS3

Summary

The video discusses the impact of automation on jobs in India, especially in sectors like construction and agriculture. The report highlights that automation could threaten millions of jobs by 2030, affecting both traditional employment and working populations. While automation brings efficiency and technological advancement, it also raises concerns about unemployment, especially with India's growing youth population. The video suggests that skill training programs and phased automation across industries could help mitigate these challenges. Additionally, creating new employment opportunities through investments and private participation is essential to addressing the unemployment crisis caused by automation.

Takeaways

• 🤖 Automation poses a major threat to jobs in Asia-Pacific, including India and Japan, due to job loss risks caused by automation and AI technologies.
• 🛠️ Automation in various sectors, especially agriculture and construction, could put 100 million jobs in India at risk by 2030.
• ⚙️ Automation minimizes human intervention in repetitive tasks, such as manufacturing and industrial activities, replacing manual labor with machines.
• 📉 The introduction of automation technologies like AI and robotics could further increase unemployment in India, already experiencing high unemployment rates.
• 📊 By 2030, India’s population could reach 1.5 to 1.6 billion, increasing the demand for jobs, while automation reduces available employment opportunities.
• 👷 Young people make up a significant portion of India's population, with 60% under the age of 25 by 2030, and will be most affected by job shortages.
• 🏭 Automation first impacted industrial sectors like steel and coal, and is now expanding into agriculture, food industries, and healthcare, reducing human involvement.
• 💼 Experts argue that radical changes in government strategies are needed to manage the disruptions caused by automation to prevent mass unemployment.
• 👨‍🏫 Skill development programs are essential to train the workforce in operating and managing automation systems, mitigating the job loss impact.
• 💡 Increasing foreign investments and creating new industries can help counteract job losses and provide new employment opportunities.

Q & A

What is the main concern regarding automation mentioned in the report?

The report expresses concern that automation will lead to large-scale job loss, particularly in sectors like construction and agriculture, which could result in significant unemployment.

How does automation affect traditional jobs?

Automation reduces the need for human intervention in repetitive tasks, replacing human labor with machines and technology, which can negatively impact jobs that were previously performed manually.

Which sectors are most vulnerable to job loss due to automation?

Sectors such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing are most vulnerable to job losses due to automation, as these industries heavily rely on manual labor that can be replaced by machines.

What is the forecasted impact of automation on employment in India by 2030?

The report forecasts that automation could endanger 10 crore (100 million) jobs in India by 2030, particularly affecting the working population in the Asia-Pacific region.

What technological advancements are driving automation?

Technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, machine learning, and advanced automated systems are driving automation in various industries.

What are the potential solutions to combat unemployment caused by automation?

Potential solutions include promoting skill development and training programs to help workers operate new technologies and gradually introducing automation in sectors to allow time for employees to adapt.

How does automation benefit industries despite its drawbacks?

Automation increases precision, efficiency, and productivity in industries while reducing human errors, enhancing product quality, and lowering costs.

What are some examples of automation in industries?

Examples include robots spraying pesticides in agriculture, machines weaving carpets, and automated processes in food industries like washing, cutting, and packaging.

How is the Indian government responding to the challenges posed by automation?

The Indian government has promoted the use of modern technology to advance the country, but faces challenges such as rising unemployment and the need to balance technological progress with job creation.

What long-term benefits could automation bring to society?

In the long term, automation could help humanity achieve new heights by making processes more efficient and opening up new opportunities in advanced technologies, although it may cause short-term job losses.