The IT Minister of Karnataka state, Priyank Kharge, stated on Tuesday that IT professionals must continuously upskill and adapt to changing business needs, as artificial intelligence is transforming industries and job requirements.
Speaking at the inauguration of the new office of RSM US Integrated Services India Private Limited in Manyata Tech Park in Bengaluru on October 28, Kharge noted that the pace of AI adoption creates uncertainty regarding future roles, making continuous learning vital for specialists.
He emphasized that AI is one of the most disruptive technologies observed, and the speed and scale of its implementation are unprecedented. Although it is difficult to accurately predict the evolution of jobs and skill requirements, Kharge advised specialists to focus on developing competencies that remain in demand in industry and global markets.
The Minister added that the ability to stay informed, adapt quickly, and build relevant skills is key to success. Furthermore, Priyank Kharge highlighted Karnataka's human capital potential as a crucial factor for attracting global businesses and Global Capability Centers (GCCs) that handle specialized business and technology operations for multinational corporations.
He noted that the state possesses a 'flexible talent pool, ready to abandon old knowledge, learn new things, and scale,' which has helped attract investment, alongside the state's policy and infrastructure. He pointed to Outer Ring Road (ORR) in Bengaluru, where about 800,000 people work along a 9-kilometer stretch, calling it one of the world's most densely concentrated talent hubs.
Kharge stated that Karnataka will continue to strengthen its infrastructure, leveraging its workforce advantage to attract investment and support increasingly specialized, high-value work. To prepare workers for changing demands, he introduced the Nipuna Karnataka initiative, which is overseen by the industry.
This program involves industry partners in the learning process, allowing companies to define their required competencies and help shape corresponding curricula. The government and industry jointly prepare candidates for new roles. Under this model, government support for training expenses for eligible citizens is tied to employment and occupancy rates to ensure that training meets real employer needs.
As AI changes business principles, the minister strongly recommended closer industry involvement in identifying emerging skill gaps and preparing the workforce. Karnataka's ability to remain competitive will depend on how well its workforce aligns with changing technologies, as continuous learning can become as important as technical expertise.