Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday strongly criticised what he called the growing trend of "dadagiri" – bullying and coercion – by certain groups seeking undue favours from industries in the form of forced employment and contract allotments. Speaking at the launch of the Pune Metropolitan Region Growth Hub (PMR G-Hub) initiative, the CM said this culture is emerging as the most significant bottleneck in Pune’s development.
"Some people have developed a tendency to pressure companies to hire their recommended individuals or purchase raw materials and award contracts to them. This interference is hurting Pune’s ability to grow and remain an attractive destination for investment," said Fadnavis.
He stressed that while the government is working towards providing a smooth administrative environment, a parallel shift is needed in the broader social and political landscape to support free and fair business practices.
"Merely ensuring a hassle-free environment at the government level is not enough. If businesses are unable to make independent decisions about whom to hire or how to operate, they will not survive in the global market," he said.
Fadnavis warned that such interference limits investors’ ability to make cost-effective and strategic decisions, which could ultimately lead to industries pulling out of the region.
"If there is any bottleneck in Pune’s development, it is this dadagiri that has crept into the industrial and business sectors. Investors must be allowed the freedom to choose what is feasible and economical," he added.
