Employment

• In a continued effort to expand employment opportunities across Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has distributed 2,105 government job appointment letters to young candidates across various departments. The initiative aligns with the state government’s broader workforce development agenda focused on strengthening public services and empowering youth through stable employment avenues.

India’s white-collar job market witnessed a slowdown in October, reflecting a mix of seasonal factors, corporate caution, and ongoing macroeconomic headwinds. According to a recent employment report, hiring activity across professional and managerial roles dipped compared to the previous month, with sectors such as IT, e-commerce, and financial services showing restrained recruitment momentum. The moderation, analysts suggest, stems from cost-optimization efforts, delayed onboarding cycles, and a conservative stance among employers ahead of the year-end.

The Government of Kerala has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to generate five lakh new jobs in the information technology (IT) sector by 2031, reinforcing the state’s vision to become a leading digital innovation hub in India. The strategy focuses on infrastructure expansion, talent development, and a renewed push toward emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data analytics.

In a bold pre-election move, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has unveiled a sweeping manifesto for Bihar, pledging to create 1 crore government jobs and empower 1 crore rural women as “Lakhpati Didis.” The manifesto underscores a dual focus on employment generation and women’s economic empowerment, signaling a push toward inclusive growth and grassroots development. The NDA’s roadmap also highlights measures for rural entrepreneurship, infrastructure modernization, and education reform.

India is witnessing a remarkable surge in artificial intelligence (AI) job postings, reflecting the growing demand for technology-driven skills across sectors. According to recent reports, AI-related employment opportunities have expanded significantly in IT services, fintech, healthcare, and manufacturing, signaling the country’s deepening engagement with cutting-edge technologies. Companies are seeking professionals adept in machine learning, data science, natural language processing, and robotics.

India’s IT sector is witnessing stabilization in hiring trends, with companies cautiously resuming recruitment and campus intakes showing notable improvement. After a period of volatility influenced by global economic uncertainty and tech sector layoffs, firms are now adopting measured hiring strategies, focusing on critical skill gaps in cloud computing, AI, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Simultaneously, campus recruitment has strengthened, with leading IT companies engaging fresh graduates through structured programs and digital onboarding initiatives.

Salaries across India are projected to rise by 9% in 2026, according to a recent industry survey, highlighting robust economic growth, rising corporate profitability, and increased demand for skilled talent. The survey notes that sectors such as IT, BFSI, e-commerce, and manufacturing are expected to lead the wage growth, driven by talent shortages and competitive recruitment dynamics. Rising salaries reflect not only inflationary adjustments but also the growing importance of employee retention and upskilling in a rapidly evolving labor market.

The government has announced the launch of PM MITRA Park, a large-scale industrial and textile hub projected to attract investments of Rs 10,000 crore and generate approximately 1 lakh employment opportunities. The initiative aims to strengthen India’s manufacturing ecosystem, particularly in the textile sector, while promoting sustainable industrial growth and skill development. Strategically located to leverage infrastructure and connectivity, the park is expected to catalyze regional economic development, enhance export potential, and boost domestic production.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India’s largest IT services exporter, has come under scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers over its hiring practices. Senators Chuck Grassley and Dick Durbin, both senior members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, have questioned whether the company is over-reliant on H-1B visa holders while simultaneously reducing its American workforce. The senators demanded transparency on recruitment methods, wage standards, and job advertising practices, raising concerns about whether domestic talent is being sidelined.

The Maharashtra government has initiated measures to enhance transparency and accountability in the appointment of consultants across state departments. Officials emphasized that streamlined selection procedures, public disclosure of criteria, and standardized evaluation mechanisms will ensure merit-based hiring and reduce administrative opacity. Analysts highlight that this move could improve governance efficiency, foster public trust, and attract high-quality expertise to government projects.