Opposition Criticizes Government's Focus on Privatisation and AI Impact on Job Opportunities

Opposition members in the Lok Sabha criticized the government's focus on privatization of public sector companies and the looming impact of artificial intelligence on job opportunities. They argued that youth need jobs, not internships, and expressed concern over the selling of PSUs and the sustainability of such measures in a populous country.

In the Lok Sabha on Thursday, Opposition members criticized the government's focus on the privatization of public sector companies and the looming threat of artificial intelligence reducing job opportunities.

During the debate on the Union Budget 2024-25, Arvind Sawant of the Shiv Sena-Uddhav faction contended that the government should clarify its job creation strategy. Sawant emphasized that the youth need stable jobs, not internships, noting that employment has decreased significantly due to privatization efforts.

He highlighted that contracts staff are increasingly providing services even in Parliament. Once AI is fully implemented in banks, insurance, and other sectors, job losses will worsen, Sawant warned. He questioned the sustainability of this approach for India's large population. Congress MP Hibi Eden also criticized the government's aggressive privatization, including the sale of numerous PSUs, and raised concerns over inadequate funding for flood mitigation in Kerala.