From QCOs To Gig Economy: How Industry Views India’s Reforms

At Davos 2026, Business Today Group Editor Siddharth Zarabi speaks with Rajiv Memani, President of CII, on the impact and direction of India’s 2025 reform push. Memani explains why Quality Control Orders (QCOs) were necessary to curb low-quality imports—but also why the government’s recent course correction and review was crucial to avoid hurting competitiveness, exports, and access to key raw materials. He also outlines industry’s strong support for labour code reforms, calling them long-pending and essential for flexibility, formalisation, and ease of compliance—while acknowledging short-term cost pressures. On the gig economy and 10-minute delivery debate, Memani strikes a balanced note, saying the issue will eventually stabilise as safety, hygiene, and urban infrastructure concerns are addressed.