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 economic issues. 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 in Davos is a “criminal waste of money” as they are meeting with other Indian leaders and signing agreements with Indian companies, which could have been done in India.
Shukla’s comments have raised eyebrows, and it is essential to examine the context and implications of his statement. The WEF is an annual gathering of global leaders, including heads of state, CEOs, and other influential personalities. The event provides a platform for discussing pressing economic issues, fostering collaboration, and promoting global cooperation. However, Shukla’s criticism suggests that the Indian CMs’ participation in the event may not be entirely justified.
One of the primary concerns raised by Shukla is that Indian CMs are meeting with other Indian leaders in Davos, which, in his opinion, is unnecessary. “It’s strange…Indians are going to Davos to meet Indians,” he said. This statement implies that the meetings and discussions between Indian leaders could have been held in India, eliminating the need for international travel. Moreover, Shukla pointed out that state governments are signing agreements with Indian companies in Switzerland, which could have been done in India. This raises questions about the necessity of traveling to Davos for such purposes.
Shukla’s criticism is not unfounded. The cost of attending the WEF in Davos is substantial, with estimates suggesting that the Indian government spends tens of crores of rupees on travel, accommodation, and other expenses for its delegates. This expenditure is borne by the taxpayer, and it is legitimate to question whether the benefits of attending the WEF outweigh the costs. Furthermore, the fact that Indian CMs are meeting with other Indian leaders and signing agreements with Indian companies in Davos suggests that the event may not be providing the desired level of international exposure or cooperation.
Another aspect of Shukla’s criticism is the opportunity cost of attending the WEF. The time and resources spent on attending the event in Davos could be utilized more productively in India. The CMs could focus on addressing pressing domestic issues, such as poverty, education, and healthcare, rather than traveling abroad for meetings and events. Moreover, the Indian government could allocate the funds spent on attending the WEF to more pressing developmental needs, such as infrastructure, agriculture, or social welfare programs.
It is also worth examining the potential benefits of attending the WEF in Davos. Proponents of the event argue that it provides a platform for global leaders to discuss pressing economic issues, share best practices, and foster collaboration. The WEF can facilitate international cooperation, investment, and trade, which can benefit India’s economy. However, it is essential to weigh these benefits against the costs and assess whether the Indian CMs’ participation in the event is justified.
In conclusion, Rajeev Shukla’s criticism of the Indian CMs’ participation in the WEF in Davos has raised important questions about the necessity and benefits of attending the event. While the WEF can provide a platform for global cooperation and discussion, it is essential to assess whether the costs of attending the event outweigh the benefits. The fact that Indian CMs are meeting with other Indian leaders and signing agreements with Indian companies in Davos suggests that the event may not be providing the desired level of international exposure or cooperation. As Shukla said, “CMs are meeting CMs in Davos. It’s criminal waste of money.” It is crucial for the Indian government to reevaluate its priorities and allocate resources more efficiently to address pressing domestic issues.
Source: https://x.com/ShuklaRajiv/status/2013664724563726652
About the Author
