Exclusive inclusivity

Planning Commission member Arun Maira vividly remembers industry’s reaction to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s famous 10-point guideline for inclusive growth at the annual CII meet in 2007. Businessmen and media criticised it on the grounds that companies should have the freedom to choose their own paths. Speaking at a conference organised by company secretaries last week, Maira said he wanted these comments to be remembered now. That’s because, he said, the same industry, facing the heat of public opposition on land acquisition and similar issues, is urging the government to be more proactive and help it grow without compromising public interest.