Agartala, June 02, 2026: Animal Resource Development (ARD), Fisheries and SC Welfare Minister Sudhangshu Das highlighted the growing gap between unemployment and the shortage of skilled manpower, stressing the need for advanced technological training, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

Addressing a gathering, the Minister said that contemporary India is facing three major challenges, with unemployment being one of the most pressing concerns. He noted that while a large number of people are actively seeking jobs, industries and institutions are simultaneously struggling to find suitably skilled personnel to fill available positions.

“People often say there are no jobs, and it is true that many individuals are looking for employment. At the same time, there is another reality—many sectors are unable to find qualified people for the work that is available,” Das said.

Explaining the paradox, he pointed out that several technical fields are expanding rapidly, but awareness and expertise among the general population remain limited. Referring to Artificial Intelligence, he asked the audience how many people truly understand the technology beyond merely hearing about it.

“Everyone has heard of Artificial Intelligence, but very few actually know how it works or are engaged in this field professionally. The future will increasingly depend on such technologies, and our youth need to equip themselves with the necessary skills,” he said.

To bridge this knowledge gap and create new opportunities, the Minister announced that the department will organize a dedicated Artificial Intelligence programme on December 1 and 2. The initiative aims to provide training and exposure to emerging technologies for the benefit of the community, particularly young people seeking to enhance their employability.

Das expressed hope that such efforts would help prepare the workforce for future demands and create new avenues for employment in technology-driven sectors.