The kind of jobs needed for the ‘Viksit Bharat’ goal

The 2024 Union Budget has introduced Employment Linked Incentives (ELI) as part of an effort to create four crore jobs in the next five years. However, the focus needs to be on the types of jobs India must generate to ensure long-term economic growth and wage stability, particularly with the looming challenges posed by climate change, artificial intelligence (AI), and evolving youth aspirations.

Climate-Resilient Jobs

• Impact of Climate Change: India faces immense challenges due to climate change, having incurred a loss of $159 billion in 2021. By 2030, the country will require almost USD 1 trillion for climate adaptation.
• Job Creation in Rural and Urban Areas: The government must create jobs that foster climate resilience, such as e-rickshaws in rural areas or biogas plants to enhance energy security and reduce carbon footprints.
• Green Jobs Potential: Expanding non-fossil fuel energy sources, particularly solar power, can create millions of jobs, especially in decentralized energy systems like rooftop solar installations that are labor-intensive.

AI-Resilience in Employment

• AI-Driven Job Loss: The rise of generative AI and automation poses a threat to job security in sectors like IT and business services. McKinsey estimates that 50% of automation in India can happen in the next decade.
• AI-Resilience Jobs: To offset the impact, new job creation should prioritize physical engagement and creativity, such as expanding education and healthcare sectors to address talent shortages.
• Empowering Rural Communities: Financing initiatives like the National Rural Livelihood Mission can help rural artisans, farmers, and craftsmen tap into global and urban markets, fostering job creation outside traditional sectors.

Aspiration-Centric Jobs for Rural Youth

• Challenges of Rural Youth: Despite an increased interest in startups, rural youth often face insecurities stemming from poor foundational education, low resources, and a lack of job opportunities.
• Job Creation through Infrastructure: Building integrated pack-houses and boosting rural manufacturing could provide millions of jobs in rural areas, bridging the infrastructure gap and improving economic conditions.
• Aspirational Job Creation: Encouraging private-public partnerships to drive initiatives like the National Mission on Edible Oils can help reduce import dependence and empower rural youth by creating aspirational off-farm jobs.

Practice Question:

Q. Critically examine the three types of jobs India needs to create to ensure long-term economic growth and social stability. How can these job creation strategies help in addressing the challenges of climate change, AI automation, and rural youth aspirations?