Kitex, one of the largest employers in the private sector in the state, is withdrawing from the Rs 3,500 crore industrial ventures proposed in Kerala. The government has an obligation to respond to the objection raised by Kitex chairman Sabu Jacob at a press conference that Kitex is withdrawing from new investments in Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Palakkad, citing the ongoing raids on their premises and the government's stance.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between Kitex and the government on new ventures worth Rs 3,500 crore. Accordingly, the land acquisition at Ernakulam was completed and preliminary work was underway to start new units. The garment manufacturing unit proposed in Kochi was to provide employment to 20,000 people. Industrial parks were proposed in other three places. The plan was to create 5,000 jobs in each location. The bitter experience from the government came as work was to be completed by 2025. The owner of a number of companies that have been running well for 53 years may not simply come forward with a slanderous accusation against the government. Kerala's move from 18th to 28th position in the list of industrial friendly states confirms what Kitex says about it .
Officials should disclose the real reason when the chairman complains that officials from various government departments visit the Kitex units on a daily basis and disrupt the operations of the factories in the name of inspections.

In the past, there was a habit of equipping industrial units to settle disputes. Such floor work is nowhere to be found now. Top governments must investigate how Kitex could have become the only exception when the government was willing to make any compromises for new investments. One by one, the barriers to starting new industrial units were being removed. In the meantime, it is extremely unfortunate that Kitex alone had such a bad fate. The old demons that drive away those who came to start a business have no place in society today. There are not many organizations and politicians now to promote such forces. Any new factory is a new island of hope for a state suffering from severe unemployment. No venture should be dug and covered before birth. The government should come forward to look into the complaint raised by the Kitex chairman and correct it if necessary. In the name of ego, the government should not eliminate enterprises that comes with job opportunities.