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2025.01.20

Varun Modgill, Head of Our India Operations, Appeared on an Indian CNN News Program

Varun Modgill, Managing Director and CTO of Indian subsidiary of Forum Engineering Inc., Cognavi India Private Limited (hereinafter referred as "Cognavi India"), appeared on a news program broadcast by CNN News18 on January 14, 2025 (local time).

CNN News18 is an Indian-based news television channel operated in partnership between American CNN (Cable News Network) and the Indian media company Network18. It is one of the most important channels in India's media industry. Varun Modgill appeared on CNN News18 in a segment discussing the benefits of long working hours in India alongside Mohandas Pai and Dileep Cherian, prominent policy makers who work with the Indian government and private sector.

"CNN-News18" 90 Hours Of Work A Week: Raging Debate On Work-Life Balance | Mental Health Matters | Brass Tacks

In India, a proposed amendment to the labor law amendment proposal was introduced in 2023, aiming to enhance labor market flexibility and promote economic growth. This proposal allows companies to set employees’ total working hours up to a maximum of 90 hours per month. This proposal has received strong opposition from labor rights groups and labor unions, and has sparked considerable debate as an important topic in India's labor market and social issues.

Varun Modgill responded to this debate over the Indian labor market by arguing that with the unemployment rate on the rise, the focus -should shift from overworking individuals to more wise allocation of resources and creating more job opportunities. He emphasized that instead of extending working hours, productivity should be increased through the introduction of systems that streamline work. Furthermore, to promote innovation, it is really important to encourage students rather than mandate them. This will certainly change the mindset and contribute to not only their personal growth, but also the growth of companies and the country as a whole.

In India, university career centers act as intermediaries between students seeking jobs and companies looking to hire. However, the infrastructure that directly connects new Indian graduates with Indian companies has not yet been developed. Cognavi India operates "Cognavi," which is a student/recruitment management database used by university career offices, and a recruitment management system called "University Portal," which uses AI to select candidates who match the job offer from a large number of student applications and display them in a top-ranked list, streaming the process for universities and companies.

Cognavi India will continue to support the job-hunting activities of new graduates with local companies in India through “Cognavi”.