THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Industries Minister P Rajeev gave an explanation on the controversy related to the inspection of Kitex. The minister said in a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram that the inspection was carried out on the complaint of the Congress leaders. The investigation was initially conducted on a complaint by Benny Behanan. Later, PT Thomas MLA raised the issue in the Assembly. Rajeev said that PT Thomas had informed the House that the zero liquid system had not been installed. The minister said the voice message of the female employee also led to the probe.

Benny Behanan MP had lodged a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission regarding Kitex. The complaint was handed over to the Ernakulam District Collector for investigation and report. On February 20, 2021, the District Collector directed the Kunnathunadu Tahsildar and the Ernakulam Regional Labour Commissioner to investigate the complaint and submit a report. Based on this, the Kunnathunadu Tahsildar and the assistant labour officer inspected the establishment.

Thrikkakara MLA PT Thomas had leveled allegations against Kitex in the Assembly on June 1, 2021. It was alleged that the liquid discharge system for pollution control was not installed in Kitex as per the directions of the National Green Tribunal. He alleged that Kitex was polluting the water by discharging chemical waste into the Kadamprayar and affecting the drinking water sources of about 10 lakh people in Thrikkakara, Kunnathunadu, Aluva, Kalamassery and Tripunithura constituencies. An inquiry was also held into the matter.

A voice message was circulated by WhatsApp groups and some media outlets claiming to be of a female employee who complained that the company management was misbehaving with employees without providing Covid testing facilities or legal leave. The same was inspected on the instructions of the Ernakulam Deputy Collector.

A similar complaint was lodged with the Kerala High Court also. Sub-Judge Shri Suresh, Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, inspected the company on May 29, 2021 along with the Assistant Labor Officer and a representative of the National Health Mission on the direction of District Judge Nisar who is the District Legal Services Authority Secretary, as directed by the High Court. Based on the voice message of the female employee, the Women's Health Inspector at Malayadamthuruthu Primary Health Center inspected the company on May 10, 2021. Based on the complaint of non-payment of wages, the company was inspected on June 8, 2021 by the District Labor Officer and the health workers with the knowledge of the District Collector as per the directions of the Labor Commissioner. Notice was given to the institution to check the irregularities found.

The Factories and Boilers Department has been instructed by the Labor Commissionerate to conduct an inquiry based on a newspaper report that workers were housed in the sheds of the Kitex company without facilities, and the department's Aluva office investigated the matter. The Pollution Control Board investigated a complaint filed by PT Thomas MLA and John Daniel alleging dumping of waste in Kadamprayar. Rajeev said in a press conference that PT Thomas MLA had raised the same complaint again at the district development committee meeting held on March 3.

Kitex Management has not officially notified any department, including the industry department, of any complaints during these inspections. In the face of these facts, Kitex has made very serious allegations against the state and the government. Although there is a difference of opinion as to the manner in which Kitex functioned, there will be no approach on the part of the Government on its basis. He said the government would move forward by bringing all entrepreneurs together.