Adoption and Empathy Critical for HR Excellence in AI Era, Experts Stress at CII Summit

PARTHA ROY, KOLKATA: Adoption of technology and Empathy emerged as critical values for human resources management in the AI era at the CII PSE Purva Pragati Summit 2026 held in Kolkata on 11th August 2026.

Adhip Nath Palchaudhuri, Chairman of CII Eastern Region PSE Subcommittee and CMD of Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd., highlighted the importance of continuous adoption in a rapidly changing technology landscape and application of technology across business operations. He stressed that the quality of human intelligence remains a critical component of human capital and will always be a valued driving force for organisational and business growth. Palchaudhuri pointed to the introduction of succession planning in public sector enterprises to prepare young, technology-empowered managers for future leadership roles and emphasised the need for open sharing of critical business information and knowledge between senior managers and young tech-savvy professionals for healthy growth.

Harsh Nath Mishra of Central Coalfields Ltd underscored that empathy is critically important while managing diverse workforces ranging from highly educated, tech-savvy employees to illiterate mazdoor workers in mines. In large PSEs, HR systems must create space for empathy, compassion and discretionary powers for managers even as AI is implemented in a tailored manner across verticals.

Anupam Mishra Managing Director of Hindustan Copper Ltd stressed on empathy and compassion while handling employees working at shop floor or deep inside mines. Rajesh Pandey, IAS, Chairman & MD of Damodar Valley Corporation, called for stronger focus on human capital and outlined the 5 Ps—Performance, Process, Persona, Procurement and Preparedness for the Future—to drive PSE competitiveness.

Other speakers, including Mehul Mohanka, Rupak Barua, Dr. Kallol Dutt, Dr Swati Smita stressed upskilling, workforce readiness, employees as brand ambassadors and caring for people as foundations of HR excellence. A status paper on advancing HR excellence, labour compliance and industrial competitiveness in the digital era was also unveiled.