The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and automation is transforming how industries operate and reshaping the nature of work. From AI call center agents to AI-powered software development, machines are performing tasks once exclusive to humans. While these advancements bring efficiency and economic growth, they also pose a critical challenge: What happens to jobs and livelihoods in a world where machines can do much of the work? What is the future of work? Or, is there a future of work?
One of the most debated solutions is Universal Basic Income (UBI)—a policy that provides all citizens with a regular, unconditional payment. Proponents argue it can safeguard livelihoods as jobs disappear, but others, like Sridhar Vembu, co-founder of Zoho, believe UBI is not the right answer. In his view, UBI reflects a failure of economic systems and human ingenuity to adapt. Instead, he advocates for creating meaningful work in areas that AI cannot replace.
This blog explores the future of work through the lens of this UBI debate and examines why preparing for these changes is critical for countries like India.
AI is revolutionizing industries by automating tasks that once required human effort. Vembu highlights this transformation:
“The biggest investment bet made in tech today is in the area of ‘service-as-software’ or, to put it in plain language, AI replacing humans doing the work. Think of AI para-legals, AI call center agents, AI accountants, AI video production specialists, AI software engineers, and so on.”
These changes promise immense productivity gains. For instance, software development could become ten times faster and cheaper, benefiting businesses and consumers. However, they also bring the risk of widespread job displacement, especially in economies like India that rely heavily on service-based industries.
If many roles are automated, millions could find their skills obsolete. This raises an urgent question: How do we ensure livelihoods in a world where machines are more efficient than humans?
Universal Basic Income is often proposed as a safety net for those displaced by automation. The idea is simple: provide every citizen with a regular, unconditional payment to cover basic needs, regardless of employment status.
Supporters of UBI argue:
However, critics like Vembu caution against relying on UBI:
“The wrong answer in my opinion is the Universal Basic Income. It would indicate the failure of the political economy to have to adopt UBI. We can do better.”
UBI might provide temporary relief, but it doesn’t solve the underlying problem of job displacement. Instead of creating
Funding UBI at a meaningful level for a large population like India’s is a significant challenge. Would such a system strain public finances and take resources away from other essential sectors like education or healthcare?
Human dignity and purpose are often tied to contributing meaningfully to society. Relying on UBI could erode this sense of purpose, leading to social and mental health challenges.
If UBI is not the answer, what is? Vembu suggests a renewed focus on jobs that cannot be automated:
“People taking care of soil and water and farms, get paid decent wages because people may want to pay a good premium for small-scale-farmed food that is nature-friendly. Similarly, various artists who perform at local festivals. That is not a job anyone would want AI to do, even if it can do it.”
This perspective points to a broader vision for the future of work:
For this vision to become reality, a coordinated effort is needed:
The debate over Universal Basic Income highlights a deeper question: What kind of society do we want to build in the age of AI? UBI offers a safety net but risks being a band-aid solution to a larger systemic challenge. Instead, we must strive for a future where technology complements human effort rather than replacing it entirely.
India, with its vast population and rich diversity, has both the challenge and opportunity to lead this transformation. By focusing on creating meaningful work, fostering education, and promoting distributed wealth creation, the country can turn the AI revolution into an inclusive growth story.
The future of work isn’t just about adapting to change—it’s about shaping it. Let’s choose a path that values human dignity, creativity, and purpose. There is no meaning without purushartha.
Co-Founder & CEO, Rishihood University
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