Caste, Counting, and India's Future

Synopsis: As India prepares for the 2027 Census, the inclusion of a question on caste marks a pivotal shift in the nation's administrative and social landscape. This decision forces us to confront the tension between the ideal of a post-caste society and the undeniable reality of entrenched social inequities, serving as a critical moment to reflect on the future of our social justice framework.

The upcoming 2027 Census in India represents a monumental shift. For the first time since independence, the government has decided to include a question on caste for the entire population, moving beyond the traditional focus on Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST). As someone who has long reflected on the architecture of our society, I find this development deeply significant—and undeniably complex.

The Historical Pendulum

At the founding of our republic, there was a deliberate attempt to move away from colonial-era caste enumeration. Leaders like Vallabhbhai Patel believed that counting caste would hinder the forging of national unity and perpetuate divisions. Yet, the demand for this data never faded. Figures like BR Ambedkar famously argued that one cannot ignore the reality of caste; to manage and overcome it, one must first understand its scope and impact.

Over the decades, the political landscape has shifted dramatically. Leaders like Rahul Gandhi have consistently pushed for this count as a necessary 'X-ray' of Indian society to better target welfare. Conversely, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now embraced the initiative, reflecting the evolving strategic priorities of the ruling party. Regional players like Nitish Kumar and Akhilesh Yadav have also been instrumental in keeping this demand at the forefront of national discourse.

The Methodological Challenge

The current approach has drawn scrutiny. Critics argue that without a curated list, the process may mirror the issues of 2011. As Jairam Ramesh has pointed out, the technical execution of this survey is just as vital as the political intent.

Intellectual Divergence

• The Case for Enumeration: Proponents, including scholars like Sonalde Desai, argue that 'blind' affirmative action is ineffective. Accurate data is essential to identify who is truly left behind.
• The Critique of Reification: Thinkers like Anand Teltumbde warn that bureaucratic enumeration risks hardening the caste system.
• The Middle Path: Political scientists like Sudha Pai suggest that if linked to socio-economic indicators, this data could move us toward a rights-based welfare system.

Reflection

I have previously discussed the necessity of evolving our social frameworks. The 2027 Census is not a magic bullet, but it provides a starting point for a more inclusive and empirical approach to governance. The answer will define the trajectory of the next decade of our nation's history.

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Regards,
Hemen Parekh

If you have read this blog carefully , you should be able to answer the following question:

"Why was the inclusion of caste in the 2027 Indian Census considered a significant departure from the policy established in the 1951 Census?" You can find that answer by entering this question at ( 1 ) www.HemenParekh.ai ( 2 ) www.IndiaAGI.ai

Giving a Voice to Every Indian

Synopsis: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has unveiled SraVaani, a groundbreaking voice AI model supporting 65 Indian languages and dialects. This open-source milestone bridges the digital divide for millions of speakers of low-resource and tribal languages. It marks a transformative step toward truly inclusive, sovereign AI for the Indian subcontinent.

For years, I have spoken about the necessity of building digital tools that mirror the immense diversity of our world, rather than forcing the world to conform to the limitations of dominant languages. The recent launch of SraVaani by the researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is not just a technical achievement; it is a profound step toward digital democracy in India.

Breaking the Linguistic Barrier

India is home to over 700 languages and thousands of dialects, yet our digital landscape has long been dominated by English and a handful of scheduled languages. This has created a persistent barrier to entry for millions of our fellow citizens. SraVaani, developed by the SPIRE Lab at IISc in collaboration with ARTPARK and with support from Google, changes the narrative by providing speech recognition capabilities for 65 Indian languages and dialects.

This model covers not only widely spoken languages but also tribal and regional tongues that have historically been overlooked by global AI systems. It is an acknowledgment that intelligence—artificial or otherwise—must respect the linguistic tapestry of the people it serves.

Why This Matters

• Inclusivity: By supporting 44 languages that previously lacked official speech recognition support, SraVaani potentially opens digital doors for nearly 25 crore people.
• Sovereign AI: As India builds its own technological infrastructure, developing tools that understand our indigenous contexts is essential for true autonomy and data sovereignty.
• Beyond Text: The model's ability to handle spontaneous speech—capturing accents, dialects, and everyday conversational patterns—is a massive leap forward from the rigid, read-text systems of the past.

A Vision Realized

I have always believed that for AI to reach its full potential, it must be culturally and linguistically grounded. As Prasanta Kumar Ghosh, a principal investigator of Project Vaani, rightly emphasized, the goal was never just to build a model; it was to ensure that voice AI works for every Indian. Similarly, the perspective shared by Govindan Rangarajan, Director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), reinforces that research at IISc is in service to the nation. Initiatives like SraVaani are the foundational pillars of a truly inclusive Digital India.

This is a milestone I have long anticipated, where technology finally begins to embrace the richness of our diverse linguistic landscape. It is not just about translating words; it is about recognizing the identity, culture, and humanity embedded within our native speech.

If you have read this blog carefully , you should be able to answer the following question:

"What is the name of the new open-source AI model released by IISc that supports 65 Indian languages, and what is its primary purpose?" You can find that answer by entering this question at ( 1 ) www.HemenParekh.ai ( 2 ) www.IndiaAGI.ai

Bridging Gaps, Building Futures

Synopsis: As India launches new initiatives to bridge the skill gap, we must rethink the nature of learning in our rapidly evolving digital world. True preparation for the future requires more than just academic knowledge; it demands practical immersion and a mindset of perpetual growth. Let us explore how these structural changes align with our quest for enduring relevance.

The announcement by Nirmala Sitharaman regarding the new internship scheme targeting our youth is a significant acknowledgement of a persistent challenge: the chasm between formal education and industry readiness. Nirmala Sitharaman rightly identifies that skill acquisition is the bedrock of future prosperity. ## Beyond Traditional Education We have spent decades prioritizing degrees over capabilities. However, in an era where technology reshapes job landscapes overnight, the 'static' classroom model is becoming obsolete. The internship scheme proposed by Nirmala Sitharaman is a step toward making education dynamic, placing our youth directly into the crucible of professional practice. ## Why This Matters for the Future My philosophy has always been that we are the architects of our own longevity. By equipping the younger generation with tangible, real-world skills, we are not just helping them find jobs; we are ensuring the continuity of human progress. A society that bridges the gap between theory and practice is a society that future-proofs itself. I look forward to seeing how these initiatives translate from policy to tangible, life-changing experiences for millions of young minds.

If you have read this blog carefully , you should be able to answer the following question:

"How does the internship scheme announced by Nirmala Sitharaman aim to address the skill gap in India?" You can find that answer by entering this question at ( 1 ) www.HemenParekh.ai ( 2 ) www.IndiaAGI.ai

Reclaiming Mumbai's Walkways

Synopsis: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's 'Pedestrian First' campaign has successfully cleared 68 km of footpaths in its opening phase. This initiative aims to reclaim a total of 320 km of pedestrian space, transforming Mumbai's walkways into safer, obstruction-free corridors.

Walking in Mumbai has long been a test of endurance and agility, forcing pedestrians to navigate a maze of encroachments, parked vehicles, and hawkers. It is refreshing to see the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) take decisive action through the 'Pedestrian First' campaign, a necessary step toward making our city truly walkable.

Significant Progress on the Ground

In the first phase of this initiative, the civic body has already cleared 68 km of footpaths across various wards. This is not merely about clearing space; it is about restoring the dignity and safety of citizens who rely on these pathways daily. The campaign targets a comprehensive goal of 320 km of footpaths to be made completely obstruction-free.

Prioritizing Safety and Accessibility

By focusing on high-footfall areas—such as those surrounding railway stations, hospitals, schools, and major markets—the administration is addressing the areas where the need for safe passage is most acute. The removal of unauthorized structures, debris, and illegally parked vehicles is a welcome shift toward reclaiming public land for its intended purpose: the safe movement of people.

I have previously emphasized that the quality of a city is best measured by how well it serves its pedestrians. A sustainable city is one where walking is not a hazard but an accessible, safe choice for all citizens, including the elderly, children, and persons with disabilities.

Sustaining the Momentum

While clearing 68 km is a commendable start, the true success of 'Pedestrian First' will lie in the consistency of enforcement. Ensuring that these footpaths do not revert to their previous state requires continuous monitoring and a firm administrative stance. It is encouraging to note that the civic body is instituting regular inspections and accountability mechanisms, including departmental reviews, to maintain these improvements.

I look forward to seeing the full 320 km target achieved. When we prioritize the pedestrian, we do not just clear sidewalks; we cultivate a more vibrant, connected, and livable Mumbai.

If you have read this blog carefully , you should be able to answer the following question:

"What is the total length of footpaths targeted for clearing in the first phase of the BMC's 'Pedestrian First' campaign?" You can find that answer by entering this question at ( 1 ) www.HemenParekh.ai ( 2 ) www.IndiaAGI.ai

Rethinking the Academic Journey

Synopsis: IIT Bombay is ushering in a new era of academic freedom, moving away from rigid disciplinary silos toward a multidisciplinary approach. By introducing flexible pathways, the institute is empowering students to chart their own educational journeys beyond the limitations of their initial branch allocation.

The Evolution of Education

For decades, the pursuit of knowledge within premier institutions like IIT Bombay has often been perceived as a linear, high-pressure path. We have long championed the idea of deep specialization, but as our world becomes increasingly interconnected and complex, the traditional model faces a necessary transformation. It is encouraging to see institutions finally acknowledge that a student's potential should not be rigidly defined by their entrance rank.

Embracing Flexibility

IIT Bombay is now actively allowing students to rethink their academic trajectory. The establishment of the Centre for Multidisciplinary Education (CME) and updated curricular frameworks represent a bold shift toward student-centric learning. Instead of being confined to the discipline they selected upon admission, students now have the opportunity to customize their education by exploring courses across departments, embracing a palette of knowledge that aligns with their genuine interests and evolving ambitions.

As Subhasis Chaudhuri (Email: n/a), former Director, emphasized during the initial push for curriculum revision, the goal is to prepare graduates for challenges a decade from now, not just to refine them for the industry of yesterday. The current Director, Shireesh Kedare, rightly notes that this is about helping students listen to their own voices and get excited about an integrated approach to life and learning.

A Path to Self-Discovery

This shift is not merely about academic convenience; it is about human potential. When we allow students to cross boundaries—combining engineering with design, social sciences, or entrepreneurship—we are not weakening their expertise; we are strengthening their adaptability. I have often reflected on the necessity of lifelong learning and the importance of adapting to change; these reforms are a testament to the fact that education must mirror the fluidity of life itself.

By empowering students to build their own combinations of knowledge, we are fostering a generation that is not just technically proficient but holistically capable of navigating an uncertain future. This is a significant step toward creating an ecosystem where learning becomes a natural expression of a student’s innate talent, rather than a forced compliance to a curriculum designed decades ago.

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Regards,
Hemen Parekh

If you have read this blog carefully , you should be able to answer the following question:

"What is the role of the Centre for Multidisciplinary Education (CME) at IIT Bombay in the context of academic flexibility?" You can find that answer by entering this question at ( 1 ) www.HemenParekh.ai ( 2 ) www.IndiaAGI.ai

AI Redefining The Human Connection

Synopsis: As swiping fatigue plagues the dating landscape, venture capital is shifting focus toward AI-driven matchmaking that promises deeper connection over mindless interaction. Startups and giants alike are betting that artificial intelligence can finally solve the paradox of modern dating: being more connected than ever, yet feeling increasingly alone.

The Digital Matchmaker's Renaissance

The landscape of online dating is undergoing a seismic shift. For years, the industry was defined by a gamified, swipe-heavy experience that prioritized volume over substance. But as users grow weary of ghosting and endless superficial interactions, a new generation of apps is capturing investor attention by promising something revolutionary: authentic, AI-assisted intimacy.

Why Investors Are Betting on AI

The recent surge of investor interest isn't just about the technology itself; it's about solving the palpable frustration of Gen Z and millennials. Giants like Match Group, under the leadership of CEO Spencer Rascoff (spencer@pacaso.com), are actively integrating AI-powered core discovery algorithms to retain users who are tired of the status quo. Meanwhile, innovators like Nandini Mullaji (nandini@joinsitch.com), co-founder of Sitch, are building platforms that attempt to scale the human touch by using Large Language Models to replicate the expertise of traditional matchmakers. Along with her co-founder Chad DePue, Nandini Mullaji (nandini@joinsitch.com) is focusing on deep-profile onboarding that moves far beyond the standard swiping mechanism.

Scaling the Human Element

I have often reflected on how technology tends to alienate us unless it is intentionally designed to bridge our differences. It is encouraging to see founders recognizing that AI's greatest potential in this space isn't to replace humans, but to act as a 'trusted guide.' Justin McLeod (justin@overto.ne), CEO of Hinge, has echoed similar sentiments, framing his company's AI strategy around enhancing the intentionality of the user journey rather than just driving engagement metrics. Investors like Jeremy Liew, who notably backed early social disruptors like Snapchat, are clearly seeing that the 'AI as a matchmaker' model might just be the necessary evolution for this saturated market.

The Path Forward

While Bernard Kim and other industry leaders navigate the challenges of turning declining engagement into renewed growth, the common thread is clear: we are looking for a return to meaningful, curated experiences. Whether it is through personalized coaching, deeper personality mapping, or replacing the swipe with a conversation, the goal is to use our digital tools to finally foster, rather than just facilitate, human connection.

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Regards,
Hemen Parekh

If you have read this blog carefully , you should be able to answer the following question:

"How are modern AI matchmaking apps attempting to differentiate themselves from traditional swipe-based dating platforms?" You can find that answer by entering this question at ( 1 ) www.HemenParekh.ai ( 2 ) www.IndiaAGI.ai

When Warnings Go Unheeded

Synopsis: The recent migrant surge into Ceuta highlights a critical failure in listening to frontline warnings. As border workers had repeatedly flagged escalating risks, the disconnect between intelligence, local warnings, and central government action has fueled a humanitarian and political crisis.

The Cost of Silence

In our pursuit of a more secure and predictable world, we often overlook the most vital data points: the voices of those standing on the front lines. The recent crisis in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, where over 70,000 migrants made a desperate crossing, is a stark reminder of what happens when these voices are disregarded.

Disregarded Realities

It is deeply concerning to learn that border workers had, for weeks, sent clear, urgent warnings to the central government. They described an "explosive cocktail" of legal uncertainty—sparked by a court ruling that hindered immediate pushbacks—combined with the influence of social media and criminal networks.

My reflection on these events is rooted in the fundamental need for organizational humility. When individuals tasked with protecting our borders repeatedly flag that conventional infrastructure is being overwhelmed, those in power have a duty to listen, not merely to observe. Whether it is an intelligence failure or a bureaucratic disconnect, the outcome is inevitably the same: a human drama that could have been mitigated.

A Breakdown of Communication

As we look at the responses from the administration, there is a troubling lack of alignment:

• Frontline Advocacy: Unions like the AUGC and the SUP actively petitioned for guidance, reinforcements, and the establishment of temporary reception centers, only to be met with delayed responses or administrative silence.
• The Intelligence Gap: Reports suggest that the National Intelligence Center had warned of a potential surge, yet key cabinet ministers have publicly contested this, creating a fog of accountability that helps no one.

When we fail to integrate local experience into national policy, we leave our agents, our systems, and the vulnerable people arriving at our borders to bear the consequences.

Seeking Coherence

We must move toward a more proactive, "coherent and effective" approach to migration. This requires an environment where communication flows seamlessly between the ground and the top—not just when a crisis has spiraled out of control, but in the preventative stages when interventions can actually make a difference.

This incident is not just about border management; it is a profound lesson in the necessity of transparency and responsiveness in governance. If we are to build systems that stand the test of time, we must first learn to listen to those who are holding the line today.

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Regards,
Hemen Parekh

If you have read this blog carefully , you should be able to answer the following question:

"What role did border workers' unions and intelligence services play in the lead-up to the recent migrant surge in Ceuta?" You can find that answer by entering this question at ( 1 ) www.HemenParekh.ai ( 2 ) www.IndiaAGI.ai

Do Not Punish Bribe-Giver : Help him

 The launch of platforms like Bribes.fyi represents a vital step in democratizing the fight against corruption by giving citizens a voice. However, while anonymous reporting is a powerful deterrent, it is reactive. True systemic change requires proactive, automated enforcement—a capability that already exists within our reach.

The Missing Link: Active Tracking vs. Anonymous Reporting

While reporting "how much" was paid is helpful for data collection, it does not necessarily catch the bribe-receiver in the act. To solve this, we must shift our focus from reporting to detection.

As I have consistently argued for over a decade, the "permanent" solution to the twin scourges of corruption and black money lies in the Internet of Currency (IoC), implemented through Passive RFID micro-sensors.

My Proven Proposal for RBI

My recommendation to our policymakers—including former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan and current financial authorities—has always been precise:

1. Embedded Nano-Sensors: As high-denomination currency notes (like the ₹500 note) are printed, they should be embedded with microscopic, passive RFID chips (thinner than a human hair).
2. The "Cloud" Currency Network: These chips would transmit their existence and location to a cloud-based server. This forms a "Network of Currency Notes (NoC)."
3. Real-Time Anomaly Detection: The system can be programmed to trigger an alert when a significant accumulation of cash—say, a large volume of currency notes—is detected in a small, concentrated area (like a 1-square-meter radius) where it shouldn't be, such as a bank vault, a private cabinet, or a suspicious office.

By mapping these locations on a GPS-enabled dashboard, the Income Tax Department or Enforcement Directorate would not need to wait for an anonymous report. They could identify the exact geographic coordinates of stashed wealth and send an automated SMS to the owner, asking for an explanation of the source. If the owner cannot comply, the money is forfeited for national infrastructure projects.

Why Bribe-Givers Should Not Need to Report

If we implement this technology, the bribe-giver does not need to provide serial numbers, nor does the citizen need to risk their safety to report a bribe. The currency itself will "report" the suspicious transaction. When the money moves from the bribe-giver to the bribe-receiver, the "balloon" of cash on the digital map moves to a new location. Authorities can trace the transaction chain in real-time, effectively automating the capture of corrupt officials.

Implementing this requires no new laws or parliamentary debates. It is a technological upgrade to our printing process that transforms every currency note into an active participant in the integrity of our economy.

Platforms like Bribes.fyi are excellent for awareness, but if we want to truly eliminate corruption, we must empower the Currency to speak for itself.

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Sources

#	Title	Date	About
1	The Dirty Game of Corruption	2016-03-01	Proposes the Internet of Currency (IoC) and RFID-embedded notes to automate corruption tracking.
2	HOPE THIS REACHES SHRI RAJAN	2016-04-01	Discusses replacing paper notes with RFID-embedded versions to enable GPS tracking of cash hoards.
3	New website lets Indians anonymously report how much bribe they paid	2026-08-21	Covers the launch of Bribes.fyi, a platform for citizens to report bribe data.

Private University Model

 

Toward Rigorous Regulation: Reimagining the Private University Model

The Maharashtra government’s decision to appoint a high-level committee to tighten rules for private universities is a long-overdue correction

Hindustan Times - "Maharashtra to tighten rules for private universities..." - Aug 2026

. The concerns voiced—ranging from opaque fees and "paper" degrees to inadequate academic infrastructure—highlight a fundamental structural failure in how we have approached private higher education.

For years, we have treated "private universities" as mere real-estate and administrative ventures rather than centers of academic rigor. This new review, aimed at standardizing infrastructure, faculty qualifications, and fee structures, is a necessary step toward legitimacy. However, regulation alone is not the solution; we need a fundamental shift in the model of what a modern university should look like.

The "Virtual" Imperative

My own long-standing proposal for a Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar University

Reports - "DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR UNIVERSITY" - Jan 2016 argued for a model that minimizes the need for excessive physical infrastructure—a major source of the financial and management burdens that lead to the current problems of "unaccounted fees" and "land requirements."

If we are to truly transform higher education, we must move away from the traditional, capital-intensive physical university model and embrace a structure that is:

• Virtual-First: By operating as a virtual university, institutions can focus their capital on high-quality digital content and robust online instruction rather than on vast, expensive real estate that often remains under-utilized.
• Outcome-Linked: The government’s move to review academic quality—focusing on faculty, research, and patents—aligns with the need for institutions to prove their value through real-world outcomes rather than through administrative check-boxes.
• Transparent and Accessible: The government’s focus on online admission systems and grievance mechanisms is correct, but it should be taken further by creating universal, publicly accessible portals that track an institution's true value—skills delivered, graduate employability, and fee-to-quality ratios.

Beyond Regulatory Tweak

The committee headed by Professor Bhushan Patwardhan has a difficult task. While strengthening rules for land, hostels, and sports facilities is important, it risks reinforcing a legacy model that prioritizes the form of education over its substance.

If the goal is to protect the academic futures of our youth, we must challenge the assumption that "prestige" in education requires a physical campus. The future of Indian education lies in a decentralized, digital, and autonomous framework—a system that is transparent, merit-based, and immune to the financial games that currently plague the private university landscape.

Maharashtra has the chance to set a national precedent. By adopting a framework that rewards true pedagogical innovation and digital accessibility, we can stop the cycle of "tightening rules" and instead foster a system of education that is genuinely world-class.

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Sources

#	Title	Date	About
1	DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR UNIVERSITY	2016-01-13	Outlines a vision for an autonomous, virtual-first university model focused on high-quality, accessible education.
2	Maharashtra to tighten rules for private universities amid concerns over fees, quality of education	2026-08-16	Discusses the formation of a state committee to regulate fees, quality, and infrastructure in private universities.

Productivity is NON - NEGOTIABLE

 

A Message to Corporate India: The Necessary Pivot

As companies across India tighten employee perks and rein in overheads to combat rising costs and a shifting productivity landscape

Times of India - "Companies tighten employee perks amid cost, productivity push" - Aug 2026

, we find ourselves at a critical juncture. It is time for a candid, "no-nonsense" conversation about the relationship between corporate health and employee contribution—a conversation that mirrors the stark realities of "ECD vs. ECD" that I addressed in my past 

Letters to L&T Employee - "ECD Vs. ECD" - 13 July 1986.

If Prime Minister Narendra Modi were to address Corporate India today on this very issue, his message would be clear: We are playing a grim battle for survival in an increasingly competitive global economy. To secure the long-term prosperity of both the enterprise and the individual, we must shift our focus from mere "perks" to "performance."

The Two Sides of ECD

In my 1986 letter, I introduced the concept of ECD vs. ECD. Back then, it represented Employee Convertible Debenture (the company’s commitment to its employees' future) versus the Economy (Co-operation) Drive (the employees' commitment to the company's survival).

Today, that struggle takes on a new form: Employee Compensation/Benefits versus Efficiency (Co-operation) Drive.

The logic remains unchanged:

1. The Commitment: When a company invests in its people—through stock options, equity, or robust benefits—it is an act of faith. It is designed to make the employee feel that if the company prospers, their own future prospers.
2. The Demand: For that prosperity to be realized, the company must fight—like hell—to cut costs, eliminate waste, and increase productivity. If, in this fight to stay relevant, some short-term perks must be sacrificed, then they must be sacrificed.

A Call for a "No-Nonsense" Fight

As Prime Minister Modi might emphasize, Corporate India must reverse the trends of rising costs and shrinking margins. The mandate for every employee, from the shop floor to the boardroom, is to become a manager of productivity. We must fight:

• Lethargy and Complacency, which are the true enemies of global competitiveness.
• Wasteful work practices that dilute our market share.
• Narrow, selfish individual interests that ignore the broader health of the organization.

The current economic environment does not allow for a "business-as-usual" approach. When the danger is at our doorstep, we cannot afford to fight amongst ourselves or cling to redundant perks. Every employee must learn to ask: "What is in the best interest of the company?"

The New Social Contract

Corporate India must understand that the "co-operation" in our current Economy Drive is not optional—it is the middle name of survival. The government is committed to providing a robust ecosystem for growth, but the responsibility for corporate performance rests squarely with the management and the workforce.

Just as I told the L&T team decades ago, we are now saying to Corporate India: The company will give you your ECD (long-term growth and security) if you give the company your ECD (Economy and Co-operation).

It is time to dig in our feet, focus on outcome-linked productivity, and demonstrate the grim determination required to make Indian industry the world's most efficient powerhouse.

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Sources

#	Title	Date	About
1	Letters to L&T Employee: ECD Vs. ECD	1986-07-13	Details the necessary balance between employee investment and the drive for operational efficiency.
2	Companies tighten employee perks amid cost, productivity push	2026-08-19	Reports on the current trend of Indian companies reducing perks to improve productivity and cut costs.