Adani Group, a conglomerate of Indian multinational companies, has been at the center of controversies in recent times due to its close association with the present Indian government. The group's founder, Gautam Adani, is one of the richest men in India and has close ties with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration. This has raised concerns about the government's impartiality in awarding contracts and providing subsidies to Adani. In this article, we will delve deeper into how the present Indian government is supporting Adani and what implications it holds for India's economy.
Adani's Rise to Prominence
Adani Group has been expanding rapidly in various sectors, including ports, power, airports, and mining. The group's success can be attributed to its founder's business acumen and the Indian government's support. Gautam Adani, a former diamond trader, started his business in the 1980s as a commodity trader. He ventured into the infrastructure sector in the early 2000s, and since then, the Adani Group has grown manifold. In 2019, the group's revenue was around $13 billion, making it one of the largest conglomerates in India.
The Adani Group's close association with the present Indian government has come under scrutiny from various quarters. The group has been accused of receiving preferential treatment in awarding contracts and subsidies, which has given it an unfair advantage over its competitors. Let's take a closer look at how the present Indian government is supporting Adani.
Support for Adani's Port Business
Adani Group's port business has been one of its main sources of revenue. The group operates six ports in India, including the country's largest port, Mundra. The present Indian government has been supporting Adani's port business in various ways. In 2018, the government approved a Rs 10,000 crore project to expand the capacity of the Vizhinjam port in Kerala, which was awarded to the Adani Group. The government has also allowed the group to develop a container terminal at the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Mumbai, which is India's largest container port. Moreover, the government has approved the development of a new port in Gujarat, which will be operated by the Adani Group.
Support for Adani's Power Business
Adani Group's power business has also received significant support from the present Indian government. The group operates thermal and solar power plants across India and has been awarded contracts to build new power plants. In 2018, the government awarded a contract to the group to set up a 10,000 MW solar power project in Rajasthan, which is one of the largest in the world. The government has also allowed the group to operate and maintain two airports in Ahmedabad and Lucknow.
Criticism of the Government's Support for Adani
The present Indian government's support for Adani has faced criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that the government is providing preferential treatment to the group, which is not in the interest of fair competition. They also allege that the government is using taxpayers' money to subsidize Adani's projects, which is a waste of public funds.
Moreover, there have been concerns about the environmental impact of Adani's projects. The group's coal mining project in Australia, which is supported by the Indian government, has faced protests from environmental activists due to its potential impact on the Great Barrier Reef. The group's port business has also faced criticism for its impact on the environment.
Conclusion
The Adani Group's close association with the present Indian government has raised concerns about the government's impartiality in awarding contracts and subsidies. While the government's support has helped the group expand its business rapidly, critics
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