New Delhi, March 18, 2025 — As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to rapidly transform the professional landscape across the globe, Arindam Paul, founding member and chief business officer of Atomberg Technologies, has raised a serious red flag. In a recent statement, Paul warned that AI tools could soon replace a significant chunk of middle-class white-collar jobs in India, leading to a potential economic crisis if not addressed in time.
AI is Automating Middle-Class Intellectual Work
Arindam Paul highlighted that AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot, Jasper AI, and others are already disrupting traditional workspaces. These tools are capable of automating routine intellectual tasks that were once carried out by human professionals — such as writing code, generating content, creating designs, and analyzing data.
He emphasized that white-collar workers, particularly in sectors like software development, digital marketing, content creation, graphic design, and even legal documentation, are more at risk than commonly assumed.
“AI is replacing intellectual work, not just physical labor. These technologies can perform at scale and with precision, and many companies may prefer machines over hiring human talent,” Paul said.
The ‘Invisible Layoffs’ Have Already Begun
Paul stated that many businesses are already cutting down on hiring or silently replacing staff with AI tools without formal announcements. These ‘invisible layoffs’ are likely to increase in the coming years as more firms adopt AI in their daily operations.
He also pointed out that entry-level roles, which once served as stepping stones for building careers, are now being eliminated in favor of AI-driven efficiency. This could create a vacuum in the job market, particularly affecting recent graduates and early professionals.
India’s Middle Class Could Be Worst Hit
Paul emphasized that India’s middle-class population, which heavily relies on white-collar jobs for stability and upward mobility, could be the worst affected. With lakhs of students graduating each year with hopes of securing jobs in the IT, BPO, or digital marketing sectors, the overdependence on these traditional career paths may now prove to be risky.
“Unlike earlier industrial revolutions, this one is impacting the middle class first,” Paul added.
Need for Urgent Reskilling and Policy Reform
According to Arindam Paul, there is an urgent need for large-scale reskilling and upskilling initiatives across India. He stressed that the government, educational institutions, and private sector must work together to redesign curricula and provide training in AI collaboration, critical thinking, human creativity, and problem-solving skills — areas where humans still have an edge over machines.
He also recommended that India must invest in future-proof sectors, such as green technology, healthcare innovation, and AI governance, to create new employment opportunities.
A Call for National Awareness
This warning comes at a time when AI adoption in India is accelerating, but awareness about its broader employment impact remains limited. Paul urged businesses to maintain ethical hiring practices and urged policymakers to ensure that economic growth through AI does not come at the cost of human livelihoods.
He concluded with a strong message:
“If India’s middle class is displaced before it is prepared, the consequences could be socially and economically devastating. This is not just a technological shift — it’s a social challenge that we must solve collectively.”
Conclusion
Arindam Paul’s statement sheds light on the growing concerns surrounding AI disruption in India’s workforce. While AI offers immense potential for productivity and innovation, strategic preparation and inclusive policies are necessary to safeguard the future of India’s middle class and maintain economic balance.
