Articles
Is Inequality Unnatural
Dt: 31/5/22
Is Inequality Unnatural
Dr T.H.Chowdary*
The Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister expressed its alarm at the growing economic inequality in the country and suggested the desirability of introducing Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme (UEGS) like what is there in rural areas. Left, liberals, Marxist and “Garibi Hatao” sloganeers Sonia family have also been proclaiming their concern for the poor and alarm at the growing inequality , especially arising out of Modi -led BJP’s pro-rich and pro-private sector policies. Are the saviors of the poor have been pointing how Adani , Ambani having been racing to join the ranks of the world’s richest .
2. Recently in May 2022 had come the news that Sri Rajesh Gopinathan, the Chef Executive Officer of TCS gets an annual huge package of several crores that is, 397 times the average emoluments of TCS employees. A further says that Sri Salil Parekh, CEO of Infosys gets a package of Rs. 79.75 cr ( Indian Express 25/7/22). Sri Mukhesh Ambani and Sri Adani may also be getting similar sized packages as those of TCS and Infosys. The remuneration accrued to these IT professionals may appear to be staggering ; some say that they are vulgar in the light of the poverty of Indian.
3. But these are in globally competitive markets; Infosys gets 87% of its revenues from America and Europe. So does TCS. The remuneration of these CEOs of globally operating companies which need Chef Executives of the caliber of Rajesh and Salil is even more than that of our star performers. We should not cavil at the huge annual packages these men of mettle on the global stage get .
4. But we , their India brothers and sisters may have legitimate expectations of their contribution in the uplift of millions of Indians. Proper and high quality of education and health together with population stabilization can help people to quit poverty and prosper thereafter. The wealth creating and wealth possessors like Ambani, Adani, Rajesh Gopinathan and Salil Parekh must use their wealth for these three noble enabling attributes - education , health , population stabilization. Sri Ajim Premji of Wipro among the IT entrepreneurs has set an example - he donated the lion’s share of his wealth to promote quality education . So have done some others . Birlas have been doing since long.
The sage of the esavaasya Upanishad has said:
“…Tyaktena bhunjithah, maa gridhah kasya swithdhanam”
by sacrifice ( gifting) enjoy; don’t (merely) accumulate wealth…”
5. The poor had always been with us, everywhere and among all nations. Wealth creators are talented people. Men are created equal but become unequal by differences in nurture , education and health. These must eb reduced. The wealthy should put their talents to achieve this. ( 455 words)
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