Outsourcing still a concern, says Gabbard

United States Comngresswoman Tulsi Gabbard on Sunday said that a few concerns still persist surrounding the outsourcing sector, which has troubled businesses and jobseekers in the US for a while.  

She was addressing entrepreneurs and reporters at an event on ‘Entrepreneurship in India’, co-hosted by the National Association of Software and Services Companies (Nasscom) and Indiaspora here.

Gabbard said, “In terms of outsourcing, concerns do remain for businesses and jobseekers in the US. All issues in terms of immigration, such as the cap on the H1B visa, must be assessed. Many people want to come to the US, start businesses and provide jobs, and we must look at the complete picture,” adding, “From a government and policy perspective, the problems (of outsourcing and immigration) must be resolved... Both India and the US must seek a workable solution. Smaller legislations would help in a better way rather than one big legislation.”

In terms of the Indo-US ties, though there are several challenges that exist, there also emerge a host of opportunities, and there is a sense of optimism. “Both the public and private sectors must work towards strengthening the partnership between the two countries. Challenges in terms of outdated views and misconceptions must change, and businesses, non-profit organisations and NGOs, among others, must also work towards this end,” Gabbard said.

Gabbard, who was in Goa the previous day, met the government there and discussed a Sister-State Partnership between Goa and her homestate of Hawaii, which is expected to be beneficial to both states, economically and culturally.

“Defence (one of the largest economic providers in Hawaii) is an area which ought to be developed, providing safety and security to every country and region. The US has had the most number of military exercices with India,” Gabbard, who is a combat veteran herself, said.

Gabbard also mentioned that there are several areas in which the two countries can join hands together such as cyber security, education, health, renewable energy and energy security, among others.

“Healthcare is an area that must be looked at... making sure that there are medical professionals in rural areas. We must look at creativity and innovation in healthcare, which must be  made available to people. Prevention must be the focus rather than only treatment,” Gabbard said, reflecting that India has a lot of answers to give in the realm of healthcare innovation.

Gabbard noted that education is another focus area, saying, “We must ensure that higher education be made accessible to all, and if it is meeting the needs of the existing job market. We must aim at fighting deficit in the education system.”