The Hindu : Bandhs spoiling image of State: Minister

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Feb 02, 2004

Kerala

Kerala - Kochi

Bandhs spoiling image of State: Minister

By Our Staff Reporter

KOCHI, FEB. 1. The Minister for Tourism and Fisheries, K.V.Thomas, said here today that hartals and bandhs organised in the State had affected its reputation as an investor-friendly destination.

Mr.Thomas was speaking at a seminar organised by the district committee of the Building and Road Workers' Federation at the Mahakavi G. Auditorium here.

He said that investors had expressed doubts about whether they would be able to operate smoothly in a State that had witnessed several hartals during the last few months.

Commenting on the militant attitudes of the trade unions, the Minister said that trade unions should not turn into "unions involved in trade". He urged the workers not to support unhealthy practices.

Mr.Thomas said that it was unfortunate to see workers demanding increase in "nokkukooli" while participating in prestigious projects like the construction of Goshree bridges. He said the Government wanted to initiate projects that would ultimately help the people here.

The projects mooted during the Global Investors Meet (GIM) did not take off for several reasons including differences of opinion between political parties. The Minister said all parties should try to evolve a consensus on development in education, health and finance.

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