AI Job Impact Positive: RBI Deputy Governor

Mumbai, Feb 6 (PTI) Amid widespread worries over the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta on Friday said the net impact of the new technology on employment will be a positive one.

However, there will be a churn as some jobs get lost, and the challenge will be in managing transition to the new technology, she told reporters at the central bank headquarters here.

She said that the central bank has recently conducted a survey on the impact of AI on productivity and employment, and added that there is no negative effect as of now.

"Certainly on the productivity side, (it shows) good numbers to high numbers," the academic-turned-central banker said.


"On employment, while the evidence is or even hypothetically is difficult to talk about, but whatever surveys have been done, whether internationally or domestically in India, as of today is showing a net positive effect," she added.

As with any new technology, there is a "churning" that happens, she said, stressing that the net employment effect because of AI has so far been positive.

"The churning is if some people lose jobs and others gain. And so then the challenge lies in transition," Gupta said.

The skills and labour markets will have to transition towards the faster growing segments, she said. PTI AA MR

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