Indian states tussle to retain jobs as economy slows
Al Jazeera
Millions of jobs were lost during last year’s lockdown, dealing a blow to Modi’s promise of creating employment.
A short drive from the capital of New Delhi, Gurugram has become one of India’s wealthiest cities with business-friendly policies that have attracted multinationals such as Alphabet Inc.’s Google, PepsiCo Inc. and Nestle India Ltd. But suddenly that reputation is at risk. A slowing economy and a dearth of new jobs has prompted northern Haryana state, where Gurugram is located, to implement a new law last month that limits private companies from hiring workers from other states. Passed by a government controlled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, such laws are quickly becoming popular with other states. The law in Haryana has raised concerns among foreign business groups and prompted them to look elsewhere. One Korean logistics company that recently shifted operations to Gurugram is now drawing up alternate plans because its skilled workforce doesn’t meet requirements under the new law.More Related News