New Delhi: A recent post by one of the startup founders has set the internet afire with his appeal for high earners to leave India. The entrepreneur, an alumnus of one of the most prestigious engineering institutes from India, further pursued his academic studies in the US but returned to India in 2018 to start this company. Today, his venture boasts solid funding, a team of 30 members, and an average annual salary of ₹15 lakh.
Despite his professional success, the founder shared his growing frustration with the challenges of working in India. “Stupid regulations stifle innovation here. You need connections with bureaucrats, politicians, or celebrities to get anything done,” he said.
He even gave an example to explain his struggle. After his company helped the police crack a fraud case and recover money for a victim, they were slapped with false accusations and demands for bribes to settle the matter.
A lot of high-earning Indians are seriously thinking about leaving the country. This isn’t just a passing thought, it’s becoming a hot topic, especially after a startup founder’s recent comments stirred things up on social media. So, what’s driving these people to consider packing their bags? Let’s break it down.
First, it is taxes. It seems like everything is being taxed nowadays. The recent 18% GST on popcorn is just one of the many things people are talking about. For high earners, though, it is not just popcorn, it is a bigger picture. They say that the government’s tax policies are not exactly encouraging people to create or keep their wealth. In fact, entrepreneurs claim that the system makes it more difficult for them to innovate or invest in new ideas.
And then there is the cost of living. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore are now extremely expensive. With real estate sky-rocketing and cost of living shooting up day by day, it feels that not much is left at the end of the month for many who earn well. More and more people are asking themselves if their money would stretch further elsewhere where they could have a better life and live without constantly dreading inflation.
Another major problem is the sheer amount of red tape. The tax laws, business regulations, and financial management rules are all constantly changing, and trying to keep up with them can be a full-time job in itself. For many, the endless bureaucracy is just exhausting. In comparison, other countries seem to offer simpler, more straightforward systems, which is a huge draw for people looking for less stress in their lives.
Another factor is quality of life. The high earners want the best for themselves and their families, be it health care, education, or even living standards at a day-to-day level. The public services in India are mostly inadequate for their needs. Besides that, there are societal norms in India which may not feel as liberated to some as it might in other countries.
The final pulling factor is global opportunities. For entrepreneurs, escaping challenges is not the motivation for moving abroad, it’s about chasing bigger dreams. Access to international markets, more favorable funding options, and a better network can give an enormous boost to their business. A country with the thriving startup ecosystem makes things easier for them to scale up and succeed.