Kerala Implements Innovative Strategies to Mitigate AI-Induced Job Loss: Pinarayi Vijayan

Thiruvananthapuram: While addressing the Kerala Legislative Assembly on Monday, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan emphasised the government's proactive approach to understanding and implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the state. He acknowledged AI’s rapid global expansion and its potential across various sectors but also highlighted concerns over job losses among workers whose skills predate modern technological advancements.

The Chief Minister was responding to a question raised by MLA M M Mani, who sought clarification on the state government’s measures to integrate AI into Kerala’s technological and economic landscape while addressing its impact on employment.

To mitigate the challenges posed by AI, the state government is adopting a balanced and pragmatic strategy, learning from history to integrate AI while safeguarding employment opportunities. As part of this initiative, Kerala has already established a Digital University and the International Centre for Free and Open Source Solutions (ICFOSS) to facilitate AI research, training, and development.

AI Education and Workforce Readiness

To keep pace with emerging technologies, the government plans to introduce AI training programs in higher education institutions across Kerala. Universities and colleges will soon offer innovative courses, including Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, to equip students with cutting-edge skills. Recognising the potential job losses in the knowledge and technology sectors due to AI, the government is committed to creating alternative employment opportunities through Digital University and ICFOSS -led initiatives.

Boosting AI Startups and Deep Tech Ecosystem

Kerala is also fostering an AI-driven startup ecosystem. The state budget has allocated specific funding to encourage startups working on AI-related projects. Plans are underway to establish a Deep Tech Ecosystem, which will support entrepreneurs in AI, Machine Learning, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics. To facilitate this, a Processing Unit Cluster will be set up, and the Kerala Startup Mission has earmarked 10 crore for the initiative.

To promote Agentic Artificial Intelligence, which is becoming a part of daily life, the government has decided to organize a National Agentic Hackathon. Five winning teams will receive 20 lakh each, with a total budget of 1 crore allocated by the Kerala Startup Mission.

Emerging Technology Hub and AI Policy Development

To harness AI’s potential in agriculture, food processing, space and defence, healthcare, life sciences, digital media, and renewable energy, the Kerala Startup Mission has begun constructing the Emerging Technology Hub at Technocity, Thiruvananthapuram, spanning three acres with an investment of 350 crore.

Additionally, the government is drafting a comprehensive AI policy, focusing on:

● AI-based software development

● Data infrastructure

● Innovation centres

● Skill development

● Support for AI startups

AI Research and Responsible AI Initiatives

To address both the opportunities and challenges posed by AI, the state has launched postgraduate programs, community education initiatives, and faculty workshops on Generative AI. Kerala has also established the Digital Science Park to commercialise AI research prototypes, and the Digital University is working on a Responsible AI Policy, drawing inspiration from European AI frameworks.

Further, research on Small Language Models (SLMs) is being conducted in collaboration with California-based NVIDIA, reinforcing Kerala’s position as a key player in AI research. Through these comprehensive efforts, the Kerala government aims to leverage AI advancements while managing societal transformations and workforce shifts, ensuring a balanced and inclusive approach to technology -driven progress.