Walk through any Indian city or village and you’ll see them—men and women selling vegetables on carts, stitching clothes under tin roofs, or delivering goods through narrow lanes. These workers, often overlooked in policy discussions, form the backbone of India’s informal economy—an invisible engine powering the nation.
But beneath the surface, change is brewing.
Artificial intelligence, once the preserve of labs and corporations, is beginning to touch the lives of those who’ve never interacted with a computer. The rise of digital tools and platforms is slowly reshaping how work is found, managed, and done—even in India’s vast informal sector.
Automation: A Growing Threat or a Catalyst for Change?
There’s no denying it—AI and automation are transforming jobs across the board. Machines are now doing tasks that once required human hands—packing boxes, scanning barcodes, even handling customer support. According to the World Bank, nearly 69% of jobs in India are at risk from automation over the next 20 years.
This is especially worrying for informal workers. With limited access to education, digital tools, or safety nets, many are unprepared for a future where machines take over basic tasks. A mismatch is growing between the skills workers have and the roles that new technologies demand.
Companies like Arrow PC Network, which deliver IT services to modern businesses, see this transformation daily. As firms adopt automation, the focus must not only be on efficiency but on creating systems that support people—not sideline them.
Not Just Lost Jobs—New Roles Are Emerging Too
While much of the conversation around AI focuses on job losses, a quieter reality is unfolding. New roles are being created—roles that didn’t exist a decade ago.
Tasks like tagging data, providing remote support, or moderating content for social media platforms are becoming more common. These may not sound like high-tech jobs, but they offer income, flexibility, and a first step into the digital economy.
Beyond this, traditional workers are innovating. A street vendor now uses WhatsApp to take orders. A rural artisan is using design apps to modernize craftwork. These stories show how technology can empower—even in low-tech environments.
At Arrow PC Network, our mission has always been to help companies implement practical tech solutions that work in real-life Indian scenarios—not just in boardrooms.
The Rise of Digital Work Platforms
A big shift is happening in how people find jobs.
Platforms powered by AI are changing hiring in real-time. From gig work to delivery to part-time remote roles, digital systems are matching people to employers faster than ever. What used to take weeks now happens in hours—with background checks, interviews, and training bundled into the process.
For India’s informal workforce, this offers something rare: speed, structure, and a reliable way to earn. These systems are building trust in sectors that have long struggled with unpredictability.
Arrow PC Network’s IT services are helping to build and refine such platforms, ensuring they are inclusive, secure, and easy to use—even for first-time digital users.
Digital Skills Remain the Missing Piece
One major hurdle remains: skills.
While smartphones are everywhere, digital literacy isn’t. Many workers still don’t know how to use apps, access services online, or understand basic tech terms. This leaves them out of the new economy.
Some platforms are responding by offering micro-courses, short videos, and guided experiences to upskill users on the job. But the scale of the challenge demands more. Public-private partnerships, industry collaboration, and education reform are all needed to close this gap.
Arrow PC Network believes that technology without training is ineffective. That’s why we also guide clients on how to include learning and support into every digital rollout.
The Road Ahead: Can India Build a Human-Centric AI Future?
India stands at a crossroads. AI and automation are no longer futuristic concepts—they’re already changing how people work, live, and earn. For informal workers, this shift brings risks—but also opportunity.
The key lies in building systems that include rather than exclude. When digital tools are designed for people—not just productivity—they can bridge the divide between old and new.
At Arrow PC Network, we’re committed to helping companies balance innovation with inclusion. Through smart, scalable IT services, we aim to ensure that India’s tech future lifts everyone—not just a few.
