Financial Advisor Says Rich Leaving India Is A Wake-Up Call, Internet Says ‘Polluted And Unclean But...’

Financial Advisor Says Rich Leaving India Is A Wake-Up Call, Internet Says ‘Polluted And Unclean But...’

With worsening air pollution on the rise, a growing number of high-net-worth individuals are exploring options to move abroad in search of cleaner air and better opportunities. A leading financial advisor, Akshat Srivastava, posted on the social media platform X, saying, “I can't tell you how many rich Indians reach out to me privately about moving out of India."

He added that their goal is not necessarily to save on taxes, but to secure a better lifestyle for their children, including cleaner air, safety and better opportunities.

He highlighted that the departure of high-net-worth individuals creates a “massive vacuum," noting that less than 2 percent of India's population pays direct taxes, among the lowest proportions globally.

“1 rich person pays (HNI) would be paying massive taxes. If he/she leaves, that's a significant loss for other 98 percent. People don't get this simple point," he wrote.

Srivastava argued that long-standing issues such as pollution, infrastructure gaps and delays in the judiciary remain largely unresolved. “This was always the case, nothing new here. It was shit 15 years ago, it's shit now. Nothing significant happened," he added.

He, however, mentioned that while the system was strained even earlier, “at least there used to be harmony in the past." “People used to respect each other's viewpoints. We saw our nation come together during episodes like Nirbhaya," he noted.

Referring to the severe pollution crisis and soaring AQI levels in northern cities, he wrote, “Now what? Nothing. AQI can bloody go up to 999+, people will simply yap: that the meter was built by Soros. And, end the discussion there."

“Rich people leaving is just one of the many consequences of collective apathy towards a broken system," he concluded the post.

Social media reactions

The post quickly caught the attention of social media users.

One person commented, “When Leadership spends his full dedication for Temple and Pooja day and night, this is bound to happen. The problem isn't paying high taxes, it is getting nothing in return. You ofc can't go to many govt hospitals, govt transport is trash as well except metros."

Another wrote, “A developed nation isn't just about GDP or tech. It's safety, opportunity, and respect for citizens' well-being. If we let rich minds and talent leave while ignoring pollution, crime, and infrastructure, India won't just stagnate, it will regress."

“Tax payers are getting nothing in return. No security, absence of quality healthcare, education fees are at its peak, and clean water and air have become a dream of the past," wrote the next.

“When people with resources choose to leave, it's a symptom, not the problem. The apathy is scarier than the broken infrastructure," commented another.

Someone added, “It is a monomer that India is polluted and unclean. Surely there are 50 highly polluted and garbage ridden locations in India and there is no doubt they need urgent interventions. But there still are 100s of small cities in India which are better suited in terms of cleanliness and clean air to those looking to move out."

A recent survey revealed that one in five of the 150 ultra-high-net-worth individuals plan to emigrate from India while retaining their Indian citizenship.

Source: News18
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