Did the Govt Pressure LIC to Invest in the Adani Group?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- LIC never acted under government pressure.
- All investment decisions are made with rigorous due diligence.
- LIC is vital to India's financial system.
- False claims can harm reputations.
- Transparency is key in financial reporting.
New Delhi, Oct 27 (NationPress) Following the dissemination of misleading information by a US media outlet, which falsely claimed that the government coerced LIC into investing nearly $3.9 billion in the Adani Group, former senior officials of LIC have refuted these allegations. They assert that throughout their careers, they were never swayed by government pressure to invest in any specific company.
The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has released a formal statement countering the claims made by The Washington Post, labeling the article as "false, unfounded, and misleading".
One former senior LIC executive, speaking anonymously to IANS, stated that during his entire service, there was never an occasion where a government representative suggested where to allocate investments.
"I enjoyed peaceful nights, confident that we operated without any governmental influence on our investment choices. We adhered to rigorous due diligence processes, which continue to be upheld," the former official emphasized, confirming that the government does not interfere in LIC's investment strategies.
According to senior officials at LIC, such defamatory articles aim to disrupt India's growth narrative, given that LIC plays a pivotal role as a domestically crucial insurer.
LIC has firmly rejected the inaccurate reports from The Washington Post, reiterating that all investment activities are conducted with transparency and due diligence.
The article had alleged that a proposal was expedited in May to direct approximately $3.9 billion in investments from LIC to a firm associated with the Adani Group.
"Neither the Department of Financial Services nor any other entity influences these decisions. LIC maintains the highest standards of due diligence, ensuring that all investment choices comply with existing laws and regulations, prioritizing the interests of all stakeholders," stated LIC in their announcement.
LIC articulated that the claims made in the article seem intended to undermine the established decision-making processes of LIC and tarnish its reputation along with the robust foundations of the financial sector in India.