The rising number of indians renouncing their citizenship over the past few years reflects a growing sense of disillusionment among a segment of the population, particularly the middle and upper-middle classes. The official numbers are telling: from 1.63 lakh in 2021, the count rose to 2.25 lakh in 2022, slightly dipped to 2.16 lakh in 2023, and then saw a sharp spike to 3.2 lakh in 2024.
This consistent trend indicates more than just a desire for better job opportunities abroad — it points to deeper systemic frustrations related to governance, taxation, and social policy. Many of those leaving are skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and wealth creators who feel increasingly burdened by India's economic and political direction.
A major source of this frustration lies in the country’s taxation framework. Over the years, both direct and indirect taxes have steadily increased, affecting salaried professionals, small businesses, and consumers alike. High GST rates on everyday items, increasing compliance burdens, and limited returns in terms of quality public services have led many to feel that they are paying more without getting proportional benefits. This discontent is further compounded by the perception that their taxes are being funneled into populist political schemes — often dubbed as “freebies” — and not into infrastructure, healthcare, or education reforms that could benefit the economy long-term. Additionally, the continuation and expansion of caste-based reservations in education and jobs have sparked resentment among those who feel meritocracy is being compromised.
These concerns, when combined, create an atmosphere where leaving the country appears to be the most viable option for a better quality of life, fairer opportunities, and more predictable governance. Countries like Canada, the U.S., Australia, and even some european nations offer not only better economic prospects but also a sense of fairness in systems that reward effort and innovation. As india pushes toward becoming a global economic power, the irony lies in losing some of its most capable and educated citizens, not to foreign recruitment but to dissatisfaction with domestic policies. If this brain drain continues unchecked, it could pose a long-term challenge to India’s growth trajectory and global competitiveness.
This consistent trend indicates more than just a desire for better job opportunities abroad — it points to deeper systemic frustrations related to governance, taxation, and social policy. Many of those leaving are skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and wealth creators who feel increasingly burdened by India's economic and political direction.
A major source of this frustration lies in the country’s taxation framework. Over the years, both direct and indirect taxes have steadily increased, affecting salaried professionals, small businesses, and consumers alike. High GST rates on everyday items, increasing compliance burdens, and limited returns in terms of quality public services have led many to feel that they are paying more without getting proportional benefits. This discontent is further compounded by the perception that their taxes are being funneled into populist political schemes — often dubbed as “freebies” — and not into infrastructure, healthcare, or education reforms that could benefit the economy long-term. Additionally, the continuation and expansion of caste-based reservations in education and jobs have sparked resentment among those who feel meritocracy is being compromised.
These concerns, when combined, create an atmosphere where leaving the country appears to be the most viable option for a better quality of life, fairer opportunities, and more predictable governance. Countries like Canada, the U.S., Australia, and even some european nations offer not only better economic prospects but also a sense of fairness in systems that reward effort and innovation. As india pushes toward becoming a global economic power, the irony lies in losing some of its most capable and educated citizens, not to foreign recruitment but to dissatisfaction with domestic policies. If this brain drain continues unchecked, it could pose a long-term challenge to India’s growth trajectory and global competitiveness.
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