MeitY Pushes
AI-Led Transformation of IT Sector, Calls for Large-Scale Reskilling and Talent
Development
Ø The focus must shift from concerns about
job loss to investing in reskilling, upskilling, talent development and
technological upgradation: MeitY Secy
Key Points Summary
·
The
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
held an industry consultation in Kochi on “Supporting AI Transformation of IT
Services Industry.”
·
The
meeting was chaired by S.
Krishnan
and organized by Software Technology Parks of India.
·
Discussions
focused on transforming India’s IT services sector into a leading AI services industry.
·
India’s
IT industry currently generates around USD 246 billion in annual exports and employs approximately 6 million professionals.
·
Industry
representatives highlighted the growing adoption of Generative AI, Agentic AI, automation,
analytics, and cloud technologies.
·
Client
demand is shifting from traditional process management to end-to-end AI-driven transformation
solutions.
·
Participants
stressed the need for large-scale
reskilling and upskilling of the IT and BPM workforce to remain globally
competitive.
·
The
consultation examined investments in AI-powered products, co-pilots, automation
platforms, and emerging digital technologies.
·
Expansion
of IT and BPM operations into new and emerging technology hubs was discussed to boost
employment and balanced regional development.
·
MeitY
Secretary S. Krishnan emphasized that the focus should be on talent development and technological
upgradation rather than fears of job losses.
·
The
initiative aligns with the IndiaAI Mission and supports the IndiaAI Application Development and Futureskills
programs.
·
The
consultation is part of MeitY’s ongoing efforts to
develop forward-looking policies for the IT sector.
[ABS News Service/16.06.2026]
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, convened an Industry
Consultation on ‘Supporting AI Transformation of IT Services Industry’ in
Kochi, Kerala. The consultation was chaired by Shri S Krishnan, IAS, Secretary,
MeitY, and organised by Software Technology Parks of
India (STPI), Kochi.
The meeting brought together senior officials from MeitY, the Government of Kerala, and industry
representatives to discuss the current challenges, growth avenues, and
Government support and interventions required to catalyse the AI transformation
of India’s IT Services sector into an AI services industry.
India’s IT industry contributes about USD 246 billion in
annual exports and employs around 6 million professionals, making it one of the
most important sectors of the Indian economy. Generative AI is rapidly gaining
traction across IT and BPM processes, with companies leveraging it for greater
productivity and cost optimisation. Client expectations are also shifting from
process management to end-to-end transformation solutions. This is driving
demand for new skills and domain-centric job roles across verticals such as
BFSI, healthcare, manufacturing and retail.
The consultation discussed the following key areas:
·
How
the IT Services industry is adapting to AI-led changes in service delivery and
client expectations.
·
The
need for large-scale upskilling and reskilling of the Indian IT/BPM workforce
in AI and digital technologies to maintain global competitiveness.
·
Investments
in AI, GenAI, Agentic AI, automation, analytics and cloud technologies, and the
development of AI-powered products, co-pilots and automation platforms.
·
Expansion
of IT/BPM operations into new and emerging IT hubs to generate employment and
ensure balanced regional growth.
The consultation focused on assessing industry efforts
towards reskilling, talent development and technological upgradation, and on
understanding how the Government can support the sector in its transformation
journey.
During the consultation, Shri S Krishnan, Secretary, MeitY, said, “The development and deployment of AI
applications will require a large number of trained human resources. That is
what India has to offer to the world. The focus must shift from concerns about
job loss to investing in reskilling, upskilling, talent development and
technological upgradation.”
The consultation aligns with the IndiaAI
Mission, approved by the Cabinet in March 2024, and complements the initiatives
under IndiaAI Application Development and IndiaAI Futureskills Initiatives.
The consultation was attended by Shri K K
Singh, Joint Secretary, MeitY; IT Secretary,
Government of Kerala; Shri Rajeshwar Singh Jenwar, Director and Head of
Division, SIPD Division, MeitY; Shri Arvind Kumar,
Director General, STPI; Shri Ganesh Nayak, Director, STPI, Kochi; Shri Vishwas
Shrivastava, Scientist E, MeitY; and senior
representatives from the IT industry.
The consultation is part of MeitY’s
ongoing engagement with the industry to develop forward-looking policy support
for the IT sector.