Women staff strength in BPOs up 60%

THE number of women working in the IT-BPO sector grew 60% in the past two years to 6.7 lakh in 2008, as per a survey on gender inclusivity conducted by HR consulting firm Mercer and IT association Nasscom.

    The survey that covered over 45 leading technology companies in the country also revealed that HR practices, such as transportation policy of a company, besides flexible working hours and leave policy, play a major role in attracting women in an organisation. Other practices that women workers appreciate are anti-harassment policy, healthcare and awareness programmes, women's lounge or recreational activities. "The Indian ITBPO industry has set high standard in gender inclusivity. Women are a key and vital part of our workforce, and their participation in the workforce is seen as a critical enabling factor for continued growth of the industry," said Nasscom VP Sangeeta Gupta.
    The report also put forth some recommendations for ensuring gender inclusivity at the workplace. It has suggested upgrading the professional skills of women, setting up a mentorship programme for women in an organisation, undertaking an internal study to identify where career paths for women reach a block, providing incentives in the form of tax benefits for organisations, which fulfil certain criteria in empowerment of women.
    The survey said India has the largest number of working women in any single country in the world, which can be attributed to the growth of the IT-BPO space. "Of the 400-million worforce in India, about 30-35% are female, and only one-fifth of these women work in the urban areas," it said.

SUBSCRIBE TO Free SMS Alerts on India Stock Markets
OR SEND SMS "ON WAY2TRADE  " TO 9870807070
DisasterAwareness | Health | Commodities

Earn decent money by receiving SMSes on your cell phone.  Free Signup!

Chat: Google Talk: ways2invest Y! messenger: wilint

Contact Me:

Read more...

His mother’s voice

Be it Varun Gandhi or AR Rahman, Indian men just don't want to let go of their mothers. Nona Walia explores why

 EVERY rising son has a mother behind him! In the political battlefield of Varun vs Rahul Gandhi, their mothers — Maneka and Sonia Gandhi — somewhere dominate their political thinking. It seems, Mukesh and Anil Ambani's mother — Kokilaben Ambani — has a great influence on the millionaires. Recently, at New Delhi's Nizamuddin dargah, Oscar-winner AR Rahman and his mother Kareema Begum offered prayers. His mother flew from Chennai to be with him, "She's been my guide. Even when I didn't know I would do great in music, she urged me to follow my dream. Mothers guide us, so naturally they are possessive about their sons," the maestro said.
    It seems, some of India's most powerful men still follow their mother's voice. Recently, The New York Times reported how despite westernisation, the bond between Indian mothers and sons remains stronger than ever. Right now, Rama Pilot, mother of Sachin Pilot, young Congress MP, is campaigning for her son in Ajmer, his new constituency, "I introduced him to the people when he joined politics. I tried to give him my wisdom and support. I've been a friend to my children, I don't think I ever tried to dominate or influence my son. I allowed him to make his own decisions. I became his friend when he turned 12. It was his decision to join politics and I'm glad he followed his father's footsteps. But I have to guide him along the way, how can I not? I always have some secrets to share with him, so he can face the political challenges."
    In business, Rajshree Birla is known for her vision and philanthropy, not surprising then, her son, Kumar Mangalam Birla follows her vision, his corporate core values are "commitment, passion and speed". In Bollywood, Abhishek Bachchan is known to take real life tips from mother Jaya Bachchan even now. While cricketer Yuvraj Singh confesses, "I'm a mama's boy. I just love her food. And her. I'm not embarrassed about it. She's made life seem so easy. I can't think of doing anything major in my life without her advice." His mother Shabnam Singh isn't complaining, "I have to deal with a
    lot of stuff — from
    his fans sending
    me 'I love you'
    messages to
    looking after Yuvi
him. He can marry who he falls in love with. She should be a 'homely' girl, who should be able to cope with the pressures in his life. Yuvi's link-ups with women don't bother me too much. He's good-looking and young, if he won't go out now, when will he do it? And he does his own thing, but respects me a lot."
Men and their mothers... It seems the Indian man doesn't want to let go of his Ma! And his relationship with his mother seems relatively straight-forward and simple. Mothers, it seems, simply want to 'protect' their boys from getting hurt. If the grapevine is to be believed, Maureen Wadia was reluctant to accept son Ness' relationship with Preity Zinta, hence the alleged split. But Indian men still don't want to think of their mothers as their buddies. In fact, politician Varun Gandhi has previously confessed, "My mother's not my buddy. I believe in maintaining a healthy distance between a parent and child. I really respect my mother, I've learnt a lot from her. Every morning, when I wake up, I wish she walks into my room for a chat."
Yet, the smart, modern mother isn't over-involved. She knows how to strike a balance. Says Gitanjali Prasad, author of The Great Indian Family, "There's less role-playing. Earlier, there was a specific role for a widowed mother, one within a joint family and a mother who lived away from her son. Now, mother and son look at each other as individuals and define their relationship from their experiences. Indian men are attached to their mothers out of love and admiration. After all, Indian parents really nurture their kids." Whatever our superclass of boys might think, their mothers still call the shots. Says Subhalaxmi Khan, mother of sarod players Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan, "A mother looks ahead in life, so she can tell her boys the truth as she sees it. However, things have changed a lot. Ayaan and Amaan want to experiment with Bollywood and films, so let them do their thing. Nothing is right or wrong anymore. We can't tie down our children. We have to set them free. This is the biggest change in the motherson bond." TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Not without my mom: AR Rahman with mother when Kareema Begum, h e 's Rahul Gandhi with ma Sonia, Mukesh Ambani with matriarch Kokilaben

Mama dearest: Yuvraj Singh with mother Shabnam

Mama's boy: Varun Gandhi with Maneka Gandhi

SUBSCRIBE TO Free SMS Alerts on India Stock Markets

OR SEND SMS "ON WAY2TRADE  " TO 9870807070
DisasterAwareness | Health | Commodities

Earn decent money by receiving SMSes on your cell phone.  Free Signup!

Chat: Google Talk: ways2invest Y! messenger: wilint

Contact Me:

Read more...

Mom alone

Unwed, single, scared and yet brave — the new-age Mother's Day embraces motherhood of all kinds. Sreemoyee Piu Kundu explores

 WOMEN nurture a Cindrella Syndrome — a loving husband, kids and a picture perfect home. But as a single mom, I've learnt that you don't always need a Prince Charming to walk into the sunset!" That's 32-year-old Parul Toria, single parent to a teenaged son, talking. Parul is just one of the many single moms who are redefining the very definition of parenthood in a contemporary urban scenario.
PROVIDER & PROTECTOR
The twilight zone of single moms is a fortified universe guarded by maternal pride, and the need to be a material and emotional provider. "Single parenting is daunting, involving multitasking at all levels," adds actress Pooja Bedi, single mom to 11-year-old Aalia and nine-year-old Omar. Thankfully, social acceptance is forthcoming. Kalyani Chawla, VP, Christian Dior, India, and a single mother feels, "There's great respect for women who're working to support themselves and bring up children as single moms. Once you can afford to take care of yourself and your children emotionally, on your own, more than financially, you find ground for great pride and self-worth. Today, women are financially independent. You don't need a man anymore to fulfil a false sense of security."
THE SIEGE WITHIN
The rise in urban divorce rates coupled with redefined gender rules has transformed modern-day motherhood from a biological obligation to a 24-hour job. "In the past, a single mom raised her kid in the cocooned shelter of her parents' home. Now, with nuclear homes and working women — it's a challenge — spending quality time with the child and also being a pro at work. The struggle is more internal now," holds Parul.
    Single moms grapple with the void in their own lives too. Divya Khanna, a single mom to her 11-year-old daughter Megha adds, "Immediately after divorce, moms want to vent their frustration and the child is all she has. But, one needs to cultivate a positive support system and not badmouth the father in front of the child as it instills negative emotions."
    Teething problems apart, single moms are up for the challenge. Lecturer Sunaina Lal, who discovered she was pregnant two months after being dumped by her fiancé, recalls, "I was scared. At 30, being an unwed, single mom wasn't on life's agenda. When I decided to keep my child, a lot of people pitied me saying, 'God will take care of your child.' Their condescending attitude made me feel my child was being singled out. Wanting a baby puts a woman in control of her destiny and it's a decision to be lauded!"
WORKING WARRIORS
In the humdrum of daily life, only the fittest survive. Meena Sharma, a teacher and a single mom to an eight-year-old son says, "I separated when Akash was only nine months old. I jumped jobs — lured by better pay and flexi-timings. Even today, many employers say my resume is choppy — but they don't realise single moms aren't like regular employees. We have to pay bills, attend PTA meetings and rush home if our child has fever."
    TV actress Achint Kaur, who separated when her son was three adds, "I customised my work schedule to accommodate my son's every need. I rarely accepted outdoor schedules and worked only for 15-18 days a month. During and before his board exams, I informed my producers that I wasn't available. Being professionally productive ensures people understand." Yet one can't deny the inherent pull at a mom's heartstrings. Kalyani adds, "My daughter's principal said, 'Don't feel guilty about being a working mother, every teacher teaching your daughter is one.'"
HOME TRUTHS
Most single moms grapple with disciplinary issues walking the fine line between indulgence and maternal love. "Usually parents balance each other out — while one's strict, the other pampers. I'm the softer one and thus handling Megha's rebellious bouts is tough," admits Divya, adding, "Her dad always meets her outside, taking her to malls and coffee shops and spoiling her with shopping sprees. Their visits are more like dates. He doesn't realise the impact it has."
    Is it wise then to keep the father out? Meena says, "Till my son was four, he never knew what a dad was. But, one day, after watching a man leave for work on a scooter, he asked, 'Is that dad?' It was time to mend
    fences. I called my ex after years. Today, I know there's someone there, apart from me, on whom my son can depend on."
    Sunaina adds, "My 10-yearold daughter once asked, 'Do you miss dad?' Initially, I said, 'No, ma loves you, dad's far away.' But I couldn't sleep for nights. I hadn't disclosed my pregnancy to my ex. But, I'd wondered if knowing he was going to become a father may have changed his mind. I had to face my own demons. I traced him, mailing him pictures of Apsara. For months, there was nothing. And then one evening, I got a call from Dipin — a much married father of two daughters settled in Delhi. He even visited us, offered monetary help, but I refused knowing he wouldn't be able to come clean to his family and that seemed hypocritical. I was scared of Apsara's response — but her strength amazed me. After he left, she hugged me saying, 'Ma, are you okay?' It was a moment of retribution."
PLAYING DAD
Filling in a father's shoes is no mean task. But Chawla says, "Create dedicated moments with your l'il one." Psychologist Seema Hingorrany adds, "Single moms try to compensate lack of quality time through materialistic spoils. But, being there emotionally is the key."
    Meena says of her bonding ritual, "Every four months we go for a small holiday. Sundays too are reserved just for us — we cook, play board games and dance."
SECOND TIME LUCKY
A lot of single moms shy away from finding love for themselves. "The fear of being exploited again and the impact it can have on kids keeps love out," says Seema. Meena adds, "Lots of men think it's cool to date a single mom. But what most guys don't realise is that a single mom can't just go out on casual dates at the drop of a hat. I have to look out for my son first."
Pooja, who was seeing choreographer Haneef Hilal feels, "Expose your kids to the people in your life. Even today, there's no bitterness between Haneef, me and my kids, post our split. Kids need to know that love and respect exist between their mom and the men in her life, whether or not the relationship sustains."
MOM'S THE WORD
Being the perfect single mom is an uphill journey. But, the rewards overshadow the regrets. "Being a single mom isn't as burdensome like films and serials portray — yes, there are moments when you face social pressure, rebellion from your child and professional dilemmas, but the joys of knowing you are their hero is unparalleled. Last year, on Mother's Day, Apsara was awarded the best allrounder trophy in school and upon being asked whether she missed a dad, she just pointed at me saying, 'That's my dad!' What's bigger than that?"
(Some names have
been changed to protect
identities.) sreemoyee.kundu1@timesgroup.com

Perfect family: Kalyani and Tahira Tara

Mom's in charge: Pooja Bedi with Aalia and Omar

SUBSCRIBE TO Free SMS Alerts on India Stock Markets
OR SEND SMS "ON WAY2TRADE  " TO 9870807070
DisasterAwareness | Health | Commodities

Earn decent money by receiving SMSes on your cell phone.  Free Signup!

Chat: Google Talk: ways2invest Y! messenger: wilint

Contact Me:

Read more...

Nooyi, 2 other Indians in best US CEO list

BIG LEAGUE

THREE Indian-origin CEOs, Indra Nooyi, Francisco D'Souza and Ramani Ayer, have figured among the best US chief executives in the seventh annual listing of best American CEOs by the Institutional Investor magazine.
    Pepsi's Ms Nooyi, Cognizant Technologies' Mr D'Souza and Hartford Financial's Mr Ayer feature in the list of CEOs who, according to the magazine, stand out "for being forthright and transparent with shareholders and smart with their companies' balance sheets". They also earn high praise for keeping their companies on course, said a statement from the magazine.
    Around 900 investment professionals at more than 460 firms that manage $6.6 trillion in the US equities identified the best CEOs in 57 industry sectors in the list.
    PepsiCo's Nooyi tops the beverages segment in the listing followed by Coca-Cola's Muhtar Kent. Mr D'- Souza ranks No. 3 in the technology list topped by Accenture's William Green. Ramani Ayer, who heads the Hartford Financial Services Group is 3rd in the life insurance segment.
    Both Ms Nooyi and Mr D'Souza have been honoured by The Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence in the past. Ms Nooyi, who won the ET Global Indian of the Year in 2006, also headed the awards jury in 2008. Mr D'Souza was selected by ET as the entrepreneur of the year in 2005.

Indra Nooyi

http://ways2trade.blogspot.com
Free SMS Calls on India Stock Market
DisasterAwareness | Health | Commodities

Earn decent money by receiving SMSes on your cell phone.  Free Signup!

Chat: Google Talk: ways2invest Y! messenger: wilint

Contact Me:

Read more...

Says Chanda Kochhar: ‘We have to tread carefully in current environment’

CHANDA Kochhar, who took over as MD and CEO of ICICI Bank on Monday, is emphatic about a course correction for the bank. It is not change for the sake of change, but a response to the new environment. In a way it is about going back to the basics of banking by opening more branches to raise more deposits and increasing transaction banking to ensure recurring fee income. In an interview with ET NOW's Shaji Vikraman & Mayur Shetty, Ms Kochhar speaks of her plans for the bank.

You have said ICICI Bank is unlikely to grow this year. This is surprising considering you are the country's second-largest lender and bank credit is targeted to grow 20% this fiscal. Has there been any regulatory direction?
There is no regulatory direction. Growth has many dimensions. It is not that the organisation is not growing. We are going to set up almost 600 branches, which means a 40% growth in our branch network. We have said that we will grow current and savings account deposits by 25%, which is faster than the deposit growth rate for the industry. We are also growing our transaction banking business. While there is a lot of growth, much of this may not translate into balance sheet growth. In transaction banking, for instance, a large part is not fund-based. Similarly, while we will grow mortgages and car loans, we are not disbursing short-term personal loans and unsecured loans.
Does the emphases on retail deposits and transaction banking mean it's back to basics for the bank?
Probably yes. The current environment is such that even corporate customers are concentrating on ensuring that businesses run and reach a more stable phase before they jump into infrastructure investment or put a lot of money into new projects. That is the mood of the current environment and we have to adapt our strategy accordingly.
How are you reworking your strategy?
The environment demands you to increase your recurrent sources of income...which are transaction banking and net interest income. We could increase net interest income by using capital to grow loans... but given the environment we have to be cautious of risk and have to grow margins without using capital.
What about your international business?
Internationally, where we had high growth in the past, we will see very moderate growth. While the focus has not changed, the funding pattern has. On the funding side, there were three sources of funds — bonds, inter bank deposits and retail deposits. In the current environment, we do not want to depend on bonds because the rate is high and neither on inter bank because it is very volatile. We will depend on retail deposits. So, obviously growth is going to be calibrated and much more moderate.
Last year you initiated an investigation into those who were spreading rumours about the bank being in trouble. Has it reached any conclusion?
From our side we have taken the investigation to the logical conclusion. We have traced the origins to establish that there was a deliberate attempt to spread rumours. However, beyond that, it is for the law of the land to take it forward. I won't assign it to any rivals. In an environment like that people try to take opportunity of volatile share movements.
That was the second time ICICI Bank had to bear the brunt of rumours. Why is it that ICICI Bank is so susceptible?
When you are ahead of others there is some scepticism in the minds of people till the strategies are proven. You ride the advantage of that and you also have to take on some challenges. I think there is a kind of privilege of being a leader, ahead of others. It takes time for people to understand the logic. When we went retail, people were skeptical whether the retail business was a good business and whether at all we would be able to implement it. Similarly, when we went international, we were the first to go there. I am sure many others would have wanted to follow in our footsteps. But before they could actually follow, the global environment changed.
ICICI has prided itself in being number one in various businesses. Are you willing to now give up that position?
The DNA of being number one is there but what is the priority for number one depends on the environment. This year we want to be the number one in current and savings accounts (CASA), in growing branch network, in productivity and cost control. In housing loans, beyond a certain point (of interest rates), it
    does not make economic
    sense to disburse.
    Will you continue to
    pursue plans for a holding company?
    The intermediate holding company structure (a subsidiary of the bank, which in turn becomes a holding company for its other subsidiaries) is something that we are not pursuing anymore. A few years from now I can visualise the industry moving to an apex holding company (single holding company for all businesses within a group) structure. In the meantime, we have the options of selling shares of the individual companies.
There is a perception that bad loans will rise in the next quarter...
If you look at a business like home loans or car loans the loss ratio continues to remains stable. As far as corporate business is concerned there may be some amount of restructuring that is still required for some companies. But, beyond that, I do not expect NPA surprises. On unsecured loans such as credit cards, losses are increasing, but we as a bank have reduced the portfolio substantially. So I think things should only get better from here.
Why is your appointment for a three-year tenure when the board had recommended five?
The Reserve Bank of India always clears our tenures for three years. This has been true in the past as well when we were appointed as executive directors. (At that time) RBI had cleared our term for three years.
Do you expect clarifications on the treatment of ICICI Bank's foreign shareholders under the new FDI norms?
I suppose they would because all the private sector banks had a type of ownership structure for many years and suddenly nothing has changed in their ownership structure. There is already an exception for insurance, so I am quite hopeful.
Now that you have taken over, how do you see the legacy factor?
You have to have a mix of both. As a leader you have to preserve the legacy and at the same time keep your organisation flexible enough to change if the environment requires. There are some very strong points of our legacy which I would make sure continues; we are a young, innovative organisation always ahead of others. At the same time, the current environment is such that we do need a mix of prudence. There is some part of strategy that would change but there is some basic DNA of the organisation that would continue.

http://ways2trade.blogspot.com
Free SMS Calls on India Stock Market
DisasterAwareness | Health | Commodities

Earn decent money by receiving SMSes on your cell phone.  Free Signup!

Chat: Google Talk: ways2invest Y! messenger: wilint

Contact Me:

Read more...