Karnataka IT Minister Priyank Kharge shared that the state government is coordinating with companies to evaluate the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the workforce. The assessment is expected to be completed within a month.
The announcement has piqued the interest of many in the wake of Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) revealing its plan to lay off over 12,000 of its employees.
Kharge also stated that Karnataka does not recognise unions in the IT sector, even as the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees’ Union is reportedly seeking action against TCS over the job cuts.
“Karnataka does not formally recognise unions in the IT sector. However, if citizens or employees bring issues to our attention, it becomes our responsibility to respond and ensure a fair environment,” Kharge states while talking to the Press Trust of India (PTI).
The minister is intent on evaluating the current and future impact of AI on the workforce within the IT sector.
“We are talking to companies to ask them what exactly we can do to ensure our HR or talent is most employable. We are getting a survey done with the companies on AI affect in workforce,” Kharge shared. The minister added that the assessment is expected to be completed in a month.