Raimondo, Goyal Discuss US Investment In 20 Indian Cities
WASHINGTON, DC (ANI)- Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, currently visiting the United States, on October 2 met with US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo during the India-US CEO Forum. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation and exploring new investment opportunities, particularly in the 20 upcoming industrial cities in India.
The two leaders emphasized joint efforts in key sectors such as defence, space, semiconductors, telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), and clean energy, highlighting these areas as critical for driving innovation and economic growth in both nations.
The meeting underscored the potential for expanded research and development partnerships, particularly in the technology sector.
Goyal also addressed the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum’s CEO Roundtable, where he highlighted India’s robust economic growth, thriving manufacturing sector, and improvements in ease of doing business, all of which make India an attractive destination for global investors. He encouraged American businesses to participate in India’s growth journey, fostering stronger bilateral ties and contributing to global progress.
Goyal also met with top executives from global firms to discuss potential collaborations. During his meeting with Ali Dibadj, CEO, and Sukh Grewal, Head of Strategy and Corporate Development at Janus Henderson Investors, discussions focused on expanding the company’s presence in India.
Jagjit Singh, CA
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Why Politicians Ignore Abuses in India’s Sugar Industry: They Run It
October 14, 2024In Maharashtra, India, systemic abuses in the sugar industry, such as debt bondage, child labor, and coerced hysterectomies, are rampant. Neelam Gorhe, a state lawmaker, highlighted the alarming rate of unnecessary hysterectomies among female workers, calling for improved working conditions. Despite this, most politicians ignored her findings, and the abusive practices continue unchecked.
The underlying issue is a conflict of interest: the state’s sugar industry is heavily controlled by politicians. A New York Times and Fuller Project investigation found that many of the sugar mills are run by lawmakers, including state and national politicians from various parties. These leaders, who could help protect workers, instead profit from the exploitation, making it difficult to enforce labor laws.
For decades, sugar mills in Maharashtra have relied on contractors to recruit migrant workers, leaving laborers trapped in debt. Workers, many of whom are pushed into early marriages, are often pressured to undergo hysterectomies to avoid interruptions in their labor due to menstrual issues. Politicians like Dhananjay Munde and Balasaheb Thorat, who have close ties to the mills, downplay or deny these abuses, while former sugar regulator Shekhar Gaikwad admits that enforcing labor rules means challenging the political elite.
Even international brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsico buy sugar from these mills, fueling demand while turning a blind eye to labor violations. Until political leaders and the global market are held accountable, the abuses in Maharashtra’s sugar industry will persist.