Apparently turned off by extravagant weddings and other parties thrown by the "rich and the famous," he cautioned that "rising income and wealth inequalities, if not matched by a corresponding rise of incomes across the nation, can lead to social unrest."

Inviting the industry to be the government's partner in creating a humane and just society at CII's annual general meeting in New Delhi, the Prime Minister wanted corporate India to first resist excessive remuneration to promoters and senior executives and reduce conspicuous consumption -- as it was "socially undesirable" and "environmentally unsustainable."
"We cannot afford the wasteful lifestyles of the Western world," he said, reminding the industry that India, with over one billion people, still faces the problem of scarce natural resources on per capita basis.

Stopping short of mentioning anyone in particular, the Prime Minister said the media often highlights the vulgar display of wealth by the rich, which plants the seed of resentment in the minds of the have-nots.

He also said that corporate social responsibility must not defined by tax planning strategies alone, but must be based on the idea that the wealthy have an obligation to society and to nature.

However giving credit to the industry where it deserves, Singh said he was happy with CII's report on affirmative action and believes it would be widely emulated.