This refers to the editorial, “laziness' labour lost” (March 13). Those who do business in Kerala, under severe and stressful conditions will heave a big sigh of relief, now that the left Democratic Front Government has decided to end the vexatious ‘nokkukooli' from May 1. While the Government deserves plaudits for its role, one needs to complement the trade unions too, but for whose nod, this would not have been possible. Indeed, nokkukooli and other militant labour practices have robbed Kerala off its rightful place in the industrial map. Despite the availability of infrastructure, Kerala was not able to woo business because of issues involving the labour. With the removal of nokkukooli, the Government can expect prevalence of a better industrial climate in the State.
However, yet another worrying factor that needs to be curbed is the frequent calls for hartals. In India, Kerala, which is the most literate State, can boast of holding more number of hartals than any other State. Hartals are held at the drop of the hat every other day, disrupting day-to-day life of the common man and also industrial activity. While one has the right to protest, they should in no way impinge upon exercising his/her right on others. In real terms, the call for hartal hurts all, disrupts industrial activity and derails the public transport system. The Government must put an end to hartal or any other form of protest that brings every activity to a grinding halt.