After Kitex Garments, the world’s second-largest manufacturer of kids apparel withdrew from the ₹3,500 crore investment plan Kerala due to constant harassment in the form of unnecessary inspections by the Pinarayi Vijayan government, an invitation has been extended by the Tamil Nadu government has to set up the project in the state, reports Swarajya
Sensing a huge opportunity for investment and jobs in the state, discussions were held with the Minister for Industries and Principal Secretary (Industries) of Tamil Nadu government as the state had offered many incentives like 40% subsidy on investment, land at half the market rate, exemption on stamp duty, five% interest rebate for six years, etc.
As per The Hindu, chairman of Kitex Group Sabu M Jacob told that though no official from the Kerala government contacted him, however, many Chief Ministers, Industries Ministers, and others asked him to invest in their States as Kerala which is the most literate state languishes at the bottom of the table in attracting investments and ranks 28th in the ‘ease of doing business’ index.
Kitex Garments had plans to start an apparel park in Kochi and establish industry parks at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Palakkad, however constant harassment by the communist regime forced the company to withdraw from this project.
“Almost every day, officials of the government department descend on the premises of the company and make inquiries as if we committed a big fraud. I am fed up with continuous harassment. The government treats us like bourgeoises, exploitative capitalists and land encroachers. Enough is enough,” Kitex chairman Sabu M Jacob said.
“If the situation continues like this, the State will turn into a graveyard of industries. While neighbouring states roll out red carpets for industries, we are hounding them out. No doubt, the existing climate will drive entrepreneurs to suicide,” he said, adding that the latest to inspect his premises were officials from the pollution control board.
“Whoever invests in Kerala will lose peace of mind and will be driven to suicide,” Sabu Jacob added.
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