2021 has certainly been a year that has made each one of us to sit up and look toward tomorrow. Despite the times, we tried to keep up our spirit and morale. At MMA, we did this with numerous innovative programs and events, which attracted more than 3.5 lakh people. It enabled us to upgrade our digital infrastructure with state-of-the-art video conferencing facilities and make our auditorium one of the finest equipped for conducting quality hybrid programs. Our members supported us in each of our endeavours during this period. It is, therefore, only fitting to reward them with a gift. A New Year’s gift!
The MMA Managing Committee and KAS have decided to upgrade the MMA-KAS Library for the benefit of our members. We have just elevated facility to provide 2000 e-books on management; members can just log in and read. We have also facilitated the provision of 1.4 million electronic thesis and dissertations from more than 320 universities around the world for reference, study and research. All this would be totally complimentary to our members.
The New Labour Codes
Four new labour codes are likely to be implemented in 2022 -23. With Labour being a concurrent subject, the states are putting in place the process of publishing draft rules for these reforms that will be a key driver of improving the ease of doing business in the country.
The simplification of 29 labour laws into the four labour codes is expected to be a breakthrough moment for labour reforms. India has a web of labour legislations: over 40 Central laws and 100 state laws. The Second National Labour Commission recommendation for simplification to bring about transparency and uniformity in labour laws is an important milestone for labour reforms in India.
As the pandemic variant continues to spread, it appears that we are stuck in a loop of uncertainty. We are, however, hopeful that the new year will be a very different one.
Labour productivity is likely to improve with both employees and employers developing a sense of partnership in wealth creation. In this context MMA in association with NIPM and KAS organized a seminar on the theme “Driving Business Growth in New Normal with Cohesive Employee Relations” on 28th December 2021 to provide insights on the importance of cordial relationship between employee and employers for success in business. Please click here to watch the video recording of the event.
Midst of a Start-up Boom
Against all odds, 2021 saw start-up capital investment growing to over 25 billion dollars and over 41 new unicorns emerging, eclipsing all previous records. India is in the midst of a start-up-boom, more than doubling its tally of unicorns to 54 (the third in the world!). Stock markets are in a frenzy, both on upswing and downswing. The recent listing of start-ups has added to the buzz. In this regard MMA is organising a conversation with Mr Jahabar Sadique, Co-Founder & CEO, Chai Kings led by Mr V Shankar at 06.00 pm on 3rd January 2022. Please watch the event live to hear about the journey of an entrepreneur who launched an innovative business model with success.
The Gig Economy
Early signs of hostility between platform companies and gig workers in India have already begun to surface and the fault lines would only get deeper in the future. The power of the platform model lies in being able to deliver a great customer experience by relying on a large number of gig workers who are not categorised as full-time employees. The European Union recently introduced a draft aiming to force platform companies such as Uber and Amazon to classify their gig work force as employees. It is unfortunate that technology has tilted the power of bargaining scale strongly in favour of the platform companies, and gig workers have little or no voice. It would be a good initiative if gig workers and platform companies discuss their issues in a cordial manner to find a middle path acceptable to all in the interest of the consumer and well-being of the nation.
Crypto is here to stay
Virtual currencies created using the blockchain technology have been the subject of great speculation and discussion in recent times. Before debating on whether to ban private crypto currency, it is prudent first to understand what crypto currencies are. In this context, MMA organised an event on the theme “The Economic of Crypto and the Way Forward” on 20th December 2021 at MMA Management Center. Please click to view to know more from the experts on crypto.
Stuck in uncertainty
As the pandemic variant continues to spread, it appears that we are stuck in a loop of uncertainty. We are, however, hopeful that the new year will be a very different one. We hope and pray for far less pain and loss, far more normalcy and happiness. While we look forward to big positive changes, we can’t overlook the fact that there are also many good habits that the pandemic has inculcated in each one of us. Many of these habits have made us better human beings, more effective, more efficient and more self-aware professionals.
Self-reflection and forgiveness could go a long way towards helping us heal. Life often throws many changes and challenges that hurt or disappoint us. Very often, we tend to judge ourselves based on external parameters. Outcomes may not be within our control, which in turn leads to a lot of regret and self-abasement. Introspection and letting-go will go a long way towards leading a better life. Reflection is a powerful tool that allows one to think back, observe and learn from them. We can improve our life by observing our thoughts, feelings and action. May this year bring new happiness, new goals, new achievements and a lot of new inspiration in your life!
Keep learning and stay connected with MMA. As always, we would be happy to hear your comments and suggestions regarding MMA and its activities.
Happy reading….. and a brilliant New Year!!!