Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) is rapidly transforming various sectors, prompting significant questions for professionals across India Inc., especially concerning the potential of AI replacing human jobs. Recently, Infosys CEO Salil Parekh addressed this concern, expressing that layoffs due to AI are not expected in the near term.
Providing reassurance to professionals, some of India’s largest IT companies, including Wipro, echo this sentiment. They emphasize that the focus is on using GenAI to enhance and upgrade the skills of professionals rather than replacing them. “At Wipro, our focus is on augmentation rather than replacement, with the aim of transforming the way we work across various domains such as marketing, HR, and client delivery,” said Sanjeev Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Wipro, in a conversation with Moneycontrol.
Wipro is actively integrating AI into client projects and internal processes, with a strong emphasis on ‘Responsible AI.’ This approach aims to improve insights, predict outcomes, and enhance the overall employee experience. The integration is designed to evolve roles across all levels, allowing employees to engage in more value-added work by automating repetitive tasks. For example, Wipro uses AI to optimize HR processes, including matching skills with opportunities and streamlining talent recruitment.
Similarly, Infosys is focusing on reskilling its workforce and other stakeholders. The company is redesigning jobs and platforms to facilitate seamless career transitions in the AI domain. Shaji Mathew, Group Head of Human Resource Development at Infosys, highlighted this effort, saying, “As of today, we have over 2.7 lakh employees trained in GenAI. Considering an era dominated by AI, the existing talent must be transformed for individuals to become AI-Aware, AI-builders, and AI-Masters.”
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), another major player in the Indian IT sector, has established “AI Experience Zones” in India. These zones provide a space for engineers and employees to innovate and experiment with AI and GenAI solutions. TCS is also enhancing its internal operations, such as HR functions, by developing AI-based interview coaches for hiring and training purposes.
India’s artificial intelligence market is projected to reach $17 billion by 2027, with an annual growth rate of 25-35% from 2024 to 2027, according to a Nasscom-BCG report. The World Economic Forum (WEF) predicts that while AI may displace 75 million jobs by 2025, it will also create 133 million new roles, resulting in a net gain of 58 million jobs globally.
Not all job roles will be impacted immediately by AI’s rise. Wipro’s Jain noted, “Frontline and operational roles may experience increased automation and AI assistance, leading to enhanced productivity and the need for new skill sets. Conversely, strategic and decision-making roles will utilize AI for obtaining data-driven insights, requiring a combination of technical and managerial skills.” Kapil Joshi, Deputy CEO of Quess IT Staffing, added that while some positions might become obsolete due to automation, new roles in AI development, data analysis, and machine learning are emerging.
Top IT firms in India are heavily investing in GenAI training, with some committing significant resources and others already having trained hundreds of thousands of employees. These efforts underscore the importance of equipping the workforce with the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-driven future.
However, the integration of GenAI into daily operations presents challenges. Kalpit Jindal, a systems analyst at a multinational IT consulting firm in Noida, shared, “Our company is proactive about the GenAI revolution by rolling out hands-on training sessions and encouraging certifications in AI technologies. One practical challenge we’re facing is integrating these new tools with our legacy systems, which often leads to compatibility issues and additional troubleshooting time.”
Another employee remarked, “To prepare for the GenAI era, my company has been providing us with access to AI platforms and conducting regular workshops on emerging trends. While this is great for skill development, a significant challenge is the need to balance learning with ongoing project demands. Finding time to upskill while managing daily responsibilities can be a tough juggling act.”
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