AI Disruption and Renewal: Employment Sustainability, Upskilling, and Equity in India

The concept of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a disruptive force shaping the organization of the labour market, the skills demanded, and the labour relations on the planet. Although AI-based automation should be viewed as a harmful technology, as far as it can lead to the displacement of employees, it also offers new vacancies and increased productivity. This paper will analyse how AI affects sustainability in employment, workforce skills, and social equity, and the perceptions of the Indian workforce in particular. The study is founded on primary data, which was gathered on various age groups and occupational backgrounds by using a structured questionnaire among 235 respondents in India. Attitudes regarding AI adoption, skill requirements, job quality and ethical issues were interpreted using descriptive and inferential analysis. The results indicate a high level of optimism in younger respondents about the use of AI to enhance productivity and improve innovation, as well as the issue of skill shortages, employee autonomy, and inequality. The paper emphasizes the importance of inclusive policies, sustained upskilling, and ethical AI systems in order to develop workforce sustainably and fairly.