Social Security Strategies And Workforce Reskilling For Addressing Job Displacement Caused By AI And Automation In India
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 11
- 1 min read
Smruti Mishra, Christ (Deemed to be) University, Delhi, NCR
I. ABSTRACT
The sudden growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation in India's manufacturing, IT, logistics, and services industries dramatically improved productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness in the global market. At the same time, the technological revolution has posed the threat of mass-scale job replacement, especially among semi-skilled, routine, and informal laborers. According to the Economic Survey 2024-25, nearly 30–35% of jobs in India’s IT and manufacturing sectors are at high risk of automation in the next decade, while informal sector workers and gig economy participants remain largely unprotected by existing social security frameworks. This study critically analyzes India's existing social security provisions such as the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF), Employees' State Insurance (ESI), pension schemes, and the Code on Social Security, 2020, and their efficacy in protecting workers at risk of displacement due to AI. It further discusses government- and corporate-initiated reskilling programs like the Skill India Mission, PMKVY, and industry-specific training initiatives to determine the same's alignment with the evolving requirements of the labor market. Using a qualitative research approach grounded on surveys, policy study, and case study, the research maintains that current mechanisms of social protection are insufficient unless complemented by formal, regular reskilling programs. It concludes that an integrated approach consisting of high-quality social security and flexible skill upgrade is necessary for achieving economic stability, inclusive development, and future-proof workforce sufficient to excel in an AI economy.
