New Delhi. There is intense debate around the world regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI). Meanwhile, Microsoft’s AI chief Mustafa Suleyman has made a big claim. He says that in the next 12 to 18 months, a large part of the work of most computer-based “white-collar” jobs could be automated. This statement comes at a time when tech companies are investing heavily in AI and traditional working practices are changing rapidly.
The race towards ‘professional-grade AGI’
According to Suleman, Microsoft is now working towards developing AGI. It aims to create AI systems that can handle routine and analytical tasks for professionals such as lawyers, accountants, marketing experts or project managers.
In an interview with the Financial Times, he indicated that tasks like document preparation, data analysis, project coordination and reporting could soon be the responsibility of AI. They argue that if work is mainly done sitting in front of a computer screen, AI can do it faster, cheaper and more efficiently.
Layoffs and restructuring in the tech industry
Amid the growing steps towards AI, many big companies are making changes in their structures. Oracle Corporation plans to cut thousands of jobs to increase AI data center capacity. While Amazon has also announced large-scale layoff of employees as part of AI-based restructuring.
Threat or opportunity for India?
While the fear of job loss seems to be deepening in developed countries, for India it may prove to be a double-edged sword. According to a report by PwC India, AI could contribute around $550 billion to the Indian economy by 2035. For a country like India, which has a large workforce in the IT and services sector, AI is both a challenge and an opportunity for global leadership.
Which jobs will be most affected?
According to experts, those professions that involve repetitive analytical work, data processing, document drafting, basic coding or reporting may be most affected. However, skills such as creativity, strategic thinking, emotional intelligence and complex decision-making still maintain the human edge.
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