Rapid advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping global economies, bringing both opportunity and disruption.
While AI can boost productivity and innovation, it also poses serious risks to employment, particularly for low-income workers. According to a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) staff discussion note, AI is expected to affect nearly 40% of jobs worldwide and about 26% of jobs in India.
Although around half of the affected workers may benefit from AI through productivity gains, these advantages are largely concentrated among high-income groups. Low-income workers, by contrast, face higher risks of job displacement, reduced demand for their skills, and income losses. Experts stress the need for resilience-building measures such as skill upgradation, social protection, and inclusive digital policies to ensure AI-driven growth does not widen existing inequalities.
