AI has fundamentally reshaped job market, defines economic landscape of our era: LG Sinha

CALLS FOR HUMAN-CENTRIC AI, SAYS TECHNOLOGY SHOULD COMPLEMENT NOT REPLACE PEOPLE

16/07/2026

JAMMU, Jul 15: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Wednesday that artificial intelligence (AI) has fundamentally reshaped the job market and is defining the economic landscape of the present era. He asserted that technology must be used to enhance human capabilities rather than replace them.
Delivering the keynote address, "AI: Effects and Side-Effects," at the Dr Suresh Awasthi Memorial Lecture Series in Varanasi -- organised to mark scholar Dr Suresh Awasthi's 20th death anniversary -- the lieutenant governor said science should be the means of progress while humanity must determine its direction.
"AI represents our best path forward, not as a replacement for human potential, but as a force multiplier," he said, adding that by taking over routine and repetitive tasks, AI would enable people to focus on creativity, innovation and other uniquely human strengths.
The lieutenant governor said AI has already transformed education, healthcare, agriculture, industry and governance, reaching homes and remote villages where it helps health workers conduct medical check-ups, enables farmers to access weather and crop advisories, and provides students with quality learning in their own languages.
Drawing parallels with landmark technological revolutions such as the invention of the wheel, the printing press, electricity and the internet, Sinha said humanity is entering a similar new era driven by AI.
He said India has historically demonstrated that science and ethics complement each other and stressed that the country's responsibility is not only to adopt AI but also to guide its development for the welfare of humanity.
"The need today is not to compare humans and machines. Rather, we must ensure that machines extend human capabilities, not replace them," he said. Highlighting the challenges posed by rapid technological change, Sinha said frequent reskilling has become an urgent necessity because every technological revolution closes some opportunities while creating many new ones.
He cautioned against the growing threat of AI-generated deepfakes and misinformation, saying transparency is essential in an AI-dominated era.
"Citizens have a fundamental right to know where their information comes from. For innovation to succeed, it must walk hand-in-hand with public trust," he said. Calling upon young people to develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking and scientific temper, Sinha said schools and universities must create an environment where science and values grow together.
"Along with technical competence, creativity, communication, empathy and responsibility should be given equal importance. The society that progresses the most will be the one that makes its young people skilled, capable and sensitive," he said.
Earlier, the lieutenant governor paid tribute to Dr Suresh Awasthi, describing him as a distinguished scholar, visionary and an advocate of independent thinking whose ideals continue to inspire nation-building.

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