India's Employment Crisis
India is experiencing a multidimensional employment crisis that is both visible and invisible. The visible aspect, which is measurable, shows that over 80% of the unemployed are youth with secondary or higher education. Additionally, one-third of young Indians are not engaged in work or learning.
Job Creation Needs
India needs to create more than 90 million new jobs by 2030, many in fields that do not currently exist.
Transformation of Work
The invisible crisis involves the rapid transformation of work due to artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and data-driven systems. This transformation affects workers across all skill levels.
Impact of AI
- Disruption is now affecting both blue-collar and white-collar jobs.
- Even highly creative and analytical professions face changes due to AI and automation.
Skills and Adaptation
- The durability of job roles depends on the ability to learn new skills quickly.
- Important competencies include technology literacy and data literacy to interact with intelligent systems.
Educational Response
Humanics Framework
Joseph Aoun's framework emphasizes:
- Technical ability: Understanding and working with machines.
- Data discipline: Reading and analyzing data for strategic thinking.
- Human discipline: Skills like empathy, creativity, and cultural agility.
Micro-Credentials
- Short, focused certifications allow for skill stacking over time.
- These are increasingly incorporated into various university programs globally.
Future of Education in India
- Need for a system anchored in agency, adaptability, and equity.
- Promote interdisciplinary applications of technology across sectors.
By fostering broad-based tech and data literacy and enabling lifelong learning, India can prepare a generation of adaptive thinkers ready for a rapidly evolving economy.
