Kerala, which relies heavily on tourism for revenue and employment generation, cannot afford to have hartals, Minister of State for Tourism K.J. Alphons has said.
Hartals bring life to a standstill and hamper development. All parties, including the BJP, must have a rethink on this mode of protest. There are numerous other modes of protest that can be adopted, he said. He was speaking after launching the Kerala Chapter of Progress Harmony Development Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Saturday.
Mr. Alphons further called upon the State to channelise its high literacy level and health index towards economic growth and sustainable development.
The function saw the Chamber hand over a cheque worth ₹10 lakh to Minister for Fisheries J. Mercykutty Amma, towards the CM’s Flood Relief Fund.
The launch marks the 113-year old PHD Chamber’s foray into Kerala.