Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal at a FICCI event on Tuesday stressed on more women representation in businesses as directors, owners based on merit and not just reservations.
He said reservation only makes a husband get his wife elected as a dummy "sarpanch or a CM". "Sushma Swaraj and Nirmala Sitharaman are better examples of those who rose without reservations," he said.
Talking about resurrecting India's indigenous handicrafts, Goyal said that he had spoken to Falguni Nayar who promised to exhibit them all on Nykaa. He stressed that there was a huge gap and intermediaries between artists' income and market price and these layers needed to be removed.
Amul began as a cooperative, helping to link farmers with markets, whereas Lijjat Papad began as a self-help group. Goyal expressed the need for FICCI to launch a campaign to encourage family-run firms to hire women from outside their families.
“We need to promote Indian handicrafts, utilise them as gifts on a regular basis, and support female businesses,” he added.
He also stressed that India must aim for a GDP growth rate of over 8 percent CAGR over the next 30 years, adding that inclusive growth is impossible without women having a significant role.
Rs 10 crore have been set aside for bathrooms and cooking gas connections throughout India, both of which were intended to empower women and protect their dignity, Goyal said.
He also said that for the wealthy, wasted food may not matter, but for the most vulnerable, every gram counts.
Check out our in-depth Market Coverage, Business News & get real-time Stock Market Updates on CNBC-TV18. Also, Watch our channels CNBC-TV18, CNBC Awaaz and CNBC Bajar Live on-the-go!
Lok Sabha elections 2024: What's the vote-from-home facility? Know eligibility and procedure
Mar 28, 2024 4:02 PM
Poll officers cannot force electors who 'refuse' to vote at polling booths, says EC rule
Mar 28, 2024 2:19 PM
'Committed to serving you as son': Varun Gandhi's note for people of Pilibhit after BJP denies him ticket
Mar 28, 2024 2:03 PM
Lok Sabha elections 2024: Raigarh to Bastar, key seats in Chhattisgarh
Mar 28, 2024 11:40 AM