He attributed this to sections of people being influenced by a “fake narrative” during the General Elections earlier this year. Goyal added that demands for caste census and religion-based reservations have now outlived their relevance.
Highlighting that no instance of discrimination has occurred in the distribution of government benefits, Goyal emphasised that openness to new ideas has grown under the NDA government. Citing the recently introduced Boilers Bill, which decriminalises minor offences, he noted that even suggestions from previous governments were incorporated into the legislation.
Goyal advocated for shedding colonial practices, such as replacing black robes during convocation ceremonies with Indian attire. He called for a renewed commitment to Indian family values, emphasising that India does not need to follow the model of the developed world, which relies heavily on caregivers. Recalling how previous generations were conscious of energy consumption, he criticised today’s excessive use of resources, cautioning against wasteful practices. He pointed out that while consumption drives growth, India must prioritise sustainability over excess.
He also highlighted the hypocrisy of developed nations outsourcing manufacturing to developing countries while maintaining high per capita emissions, even as they posture about sustainability.
Goyal praised Italy’s emphasis on innovation, noting that the Mediterranean country has a startup for every thousand people. Speaking at the Assocham Bharat @100 summit, he encouraged businesses to raise concerns about collateral for loans despite ECGC cover and interest rates charged despite 90% guarantees from the ECGC. He expressed openness to exploring alternate financing models and proposed earmarking spaces for MSMEs in 20 industrial townships. He also suggested integrating entrepreneurship into engineering college curriculums to foster innovation and business acumen.
