CMs meeting CMs in Switzerland to sign deals, criminal waste of money: Rajiv Shukla
The World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland, has long 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 several Indian Chief Ministers attending the event. Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Shukla has strongly criticized the participation of Indian Chief Ministers in the WEF, terming it a “criminal waste of money.”
Shukla’s remarks came as several Indian states are being represented at the WEF, with their Chief Ministers and other government officials in attendance. The MP questioned the logic behind Indian state governments signing agreements with Indian companies in Switzerland, rather than doing so in India. “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,” he said.
The crux of Shukla’s argument lies in the fact that these agreements could have been signed in India, without the need for Chief Ministers to travel to Switzerland. This, he believes, would have saved the exchequer a significant amount of money. Moreover, the fact that Indian Chief Ministers are meeting their counterparts from other states in Davos, rather than in India, has raised eyebrows. “CMs are meeting CMs in Davos. It’s a criminal waste of money,” Shukla added.
The WEF is an annual event that brings together leaders from the worlds of business, politics, and civil society to discuss global issues. While the event has its benefits, such as providing a platform for networking and collaboration, the costs associated with attending the event are substantial. The Indian government, already facing financial constraints, can ill afford to spend large sums of money on foreign travel, especially when the same objectives can be achieved domestically.
Shukla’s comments have sparked a debate about the necessity of Indian Chief Ministers attending the WEF. While some argue that the event provides an opportunity for Indian states to showcase their investment potential and attract foreign investment, others believe that the costs outweigh the benefits. The fact that Indian companies are also attending the event has raised questions about the need for state governments to sign agreements with them in Switzerland, rather than in India.
The issue also raises questions about the priorities of the Indian government. At a time when the country is facing numerous challenges, including a slowing economy, high unemployment, and a struggling agriculture sector, the government should be focused on addressing these pressing issues, rather than spending large sums of money on foreign travel.
Furthermore, the WEF has been criticized in the past for being an elitist event, where the rich and powerful gather to discuss issues that may not be relevant to the common man. The fact that Indian Chief Ministers are attending the event, at a time when many Indians are struggling to make ends meet, has been seen as a symbol of the disconnect between the government and the people.
In conclusion, Rajeev Shukla’s comments about the participation of Indian Chief Ministers in the WEF have highlighted the need for the government to re-evaluate its priorities. At a time when the country is facing numerous challenges, the government should be focused on addressing these issues, rather than spending large sums of money on foreign travel. The fact that Indian state governments are signing agreements with Indian companies in Switzerland, rather than in India, is a clear example of the waste of public money. As Shukla said, “CMs are meeting CMs in Davos. It’s a criminal waste of money.”
Source:
https://x.com/ShuklaRajiv/status/2013664724563726652
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