CMs meeting CMs in Switzerland to sign deals, criminal waste of money: Rajiv Shukla
The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, has been a platform for global leaders to converge and discuss pressing issues affecting the world economy. However, this year’s edition has sparked controversy, with Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Shukla criticizing the participation of Indian Chief Ministers in the event. According to Shukla, the presence of Indian CMs at the WEF is a “criminal waste of money,” as they are essentially meeting with other Indian dignitaries and signing agreements with Indian companies in a foreign land.
Shukla’s remarks have raised eyebrows, with many questioning the necessity of Indian Chief Ministers traveling to Switzerland to engage in activities that could be easily conducted within the country. “It’s strange…Indians are going to Davos to meet Indians. State governments are signing agreements with Indian companies in Switzerland which they could’ve done in India,” Shukla said, highlighting the redundancy of such meetings. The fact that CMs are meeting CMs in Davos, as Shukla pointed out, adds to the absurdity of the situation.
The World Economic Forum is an annual gathering of global leaders, including heads of state, business executives, and thought leaders, to discuss and shape the global agenda. While the event provides a platform for networking and collaboration, it is also criticized for being an elitist gathering that perpetuates inequality. The participation of Indian Chief Ministers in the WEF has sparked debate, with some arguing that it is an opportunity for them to showcase their states’ potential and attract foreign investment. However, others, like Shukla, believe that it is a waste of resources and that the same objectives could be achieved within India.
One of the primary concerns raised by Shukla is the cost associated with the CMs’ trip to Davos. The expenses incurred by the state governments for travel, accommodation, and other logistical arrangements are likely to be substantial. Moreover, the fact that these meetings could have been held in India raises questions about the justification of such expenditure. It is estimated that the cost of attending the WEF can range from $50,000 to $100,000 per person, depending on the package and amenities. With multiple CMs and their delegations attending the event, the total cost is likely to be staggering.
Another issue with the CMs’ participation in the WEF is the lack of transparency and accountability. While the event provides a platform for networking and deal-making, it is often criticized for being opaque and exclusive. The agreements signed between state governments and Indian companies in Davos may not be subject to the same level of scrutiny as they would be in India, raising concerns about the potential for crony capitalism and favoritism.
Furthermore, the participation of Indian CMs in the WEF also raises questions about the priorities of the state governments. At a time when many Indian states are facing significant development challenges, including poverty, inequality, and infrastructure deficits, it is questionable whether attending the WEF is the best use of their time and resources. The CMs could be utilizing their time and energy to address the pressing issues facing their states, rather than traveling to a foreign land to meet with other Indian dignitaries.
In conclusion, the criticism leveled by Rajeev Shukla against the participation of Indian Chief Ministers in the World Economic Forum in Davos is not entirely unfounded. While the event provides a platform for global leaders to converge and discuss pressing issues, the presence of Indian CMs at the WEF is indeed a “criminal waste of money.” The fact that they are meeting with other Indian dignitaries and signing agreements with Indian companies in a foreign land raises questions about the justification of such expenditure and the lack of transparency and accountability. It is essential for the state governments to prioritize their spending and focus on addressing the pressing issues facing their states, rather than indulging in extravagant and unnecessary expenses.
News source: https://x.com/ShuklaRajiv/status/2013664724563726652
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