Balwant Singh Mehta is Professor at the Institute for Human Development (IHD), New Delhi, India. He has authored 10 books and over 70 articles, published in peer-reviewed national and international journals, covering topics such as employment, inequality, poverty, child welfare, education, health and information and communications technology for development, and other human development-related issues. Recognised for his scholarly contribution, he has received several national and international fellowships and awards. He also writes opinion pieces and editorials in magazines, blogs, and national dailies.

Bharat Singh holds a PhD from Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi, and is Professor in the Department of Economics, Satyawati College (Eve.), University of Delhi, India. He has teaching and research experience of over 33 years at the University of Delhi. He has accomplished two innovative research projects awarded by the University of Delhi. He has published 2 books and more than 24 articles/research papers related to employment, economic reforms, manpower restructuring, entrepreneurship, agriculture, and sustainability in various peer-reviewed national, international journals, and book chapters. He has delivered more than four dozen lectures and presented papers at various national and international fora.

List of Figures vi

List of Tables vii

Acknowledgements ix

List of Abbreviations xi

1 Introduction 1

2 Growth and employment 18

3 Information and communications technology and employment 43

4 Industry 4.0 technologies: Opportunities and risks 62

5 Emerging gig economy: A standard or non-standard work 88

6 New work environment: Work from home 105

7 Skill and employment: Demand-supply gap 116

8 Emerging policies and regulatory challenges 134

9 Conclusion and way forward 148

Appendix 170

Bibliography 182

Index 197