The Hindu : Kerala News : Need to end practices that harm the State’s image

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Saturday, May 10, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Kerala

Kerala

Need to end practices that harm the State’s image

Communist Party of India(Marxist) State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan has come out against the practice of charging “nokkukooli” which has prevailed in Kerala for a number of years. Other political parties across the spectrum have supported the view. Our readers respond to this development, as well as on whether there is a need to have a relook at any other similar practices:

Nothing but extortion

If Kerala is known for its achievements in education, health and social sectors, it is also notorious for some of the most atrocious and outlandish practices prevalent under the patronage of powerful political parties. ‘Nokkukooli’, the practice of earning wages for just looking on, is one such system that has kept away entrepreneurs and investors from the State.

The practice in effect is nothing but extortion and goondaism. It is with relief that people have heard political parties denounce it. The move will create a more friendly and positive industrial and trade union environment in the State and attract investments. The parties should also come together to end the culture of bandha and hartals.

K.V. Ravindran

Payyanur

Against work ethics

With an overdose of politics and no consensus on the development front, the State has a long history of being hostage to political dogmas. ‘Nokkukooli’ is one among them. Trade unions of different hues have perpetuated it, even though it is illegal. This system is against all work ethics. It is a nothing but extraction of large sums of money from helpless people with muscle power.

The State has suffered greatly due to this nefarious practice. There were reports that several projects were delayed with no takers for tenders due to this system. The political leadership must force their trade union counterparts to give up the practice. It is a welcome sign that leaders of different political denominations have come together on the issue.

Every effort must be made to ensure the legitimate rights of labourers. The government must devise a scheme for regional-level monitoring and come up with steps to implement a uniform wage structure across the State. There must be stricter implementation of laws in this regard.

Similarly, a consensus on hartal is long overdue. Calling for a hartal on the flimsiest of grounds has taken a heavy toll on the State.

R.K. Vijay Nambiar

University Campus, Kannur

Take action

Even now, in spite of legislations passed by the Assembly, people are at the mercy of workers to engage suitable people for loading and unloading good and other articles. These people demand and extract ‘nokkukooli’ from those who undertake the job.

Nokkukooli gained acceptance because of the high-handedness of the trade unions, affiliated to political parties. The actions of the unions in looting the common man and businessmen alike were supported by the parties in power.

It is high time such practices are brought to an end. Trade union leaders should instruct their members to behave in a reasonable manner and initiate suitable action against those who do not fall in line.

B.C. Unnikrishnan Nair

Ottappalam

Improve work culture

CPI(M) State secretary Pinarayi Vijayan’s denunciation of ‘nokkukooli’ has done much good already in that public indignation at this obnoxious practice of extorting money for work not done has been brought into focus.

Trade unionism enjoys political patronage. This means a kind of insulation against police interference in case of complaints. Rude behaviour, abusive language, intimidation and extortion of high wages spring from this sense of protection. Union leaders get a share of the booty too. The absence of a good work culture has vitiated our productive sector. Leaders who pamper unionists have to be held responsible for the uncongenial industrial climate in the State. Workers have to be taught self-respect. Money earned from labour alone is valuable. Extortion of money is nothing but a criminal act. Society needs labourers and vice-versa. A healthy relationship between labourers and the public is necessary for progress. Recognition for work done is to be earned. Love the work first, then take the money. Such a positive mindset will work wonders in the prevailing situation in the State.

N.K. Vijayan

Kizhakkambalam

Plan a strategy

‘Nokkukooli’ is a bad patch on the State which professes to have a highly literate populace. The tentacles of trade union activism have spread so far as to impede any labour related activity. It is common knowledge that transporters from outside the State decline to undertake any unloading operations here; they entrust it to the consignee. Such trade union adventurism as we see today is nothing new. We have learnt to live with it. Nevertheless, the reported statements of our politicians that demanding ‘nokkukooli’ amounts to extortion is welcome. Extortion is a cognizable offence under Section 384 of the IPC but who will take the initiative the lodge complaints?

The present lot of headload workers are well organised. Their perceptions and aspirations are different. In this backdrop, ending ‘nokkukooli’ in one shot might be wishful thinking. It is no longer enough to look at this purely as a functional exercise. It has to be seen as a strategic exercise. Only a collective negotiated understanding with a definite rehabilitation plan can bring about a gradual change.

M.M. Pillai

Perumbavoor

Enact laws to check it

It is believed that Kerala lags behind in industry because investors shy away from setting up shop here owing to unnecessary interference from trade unions. Half-hearted attempts made by various governments in the past have not improved the situation.

Now, political parties are raising their voice against the practice of ‘nokkukooli,’ which is spreading to all sectors and must be stopped. The theory ‘remuneration for work done only’ should apply. ‘Nokkukooli’ not only imposes an unnecessary burden on the people, but also leads to law and order problems.

If no law exists now, appropriate law should be enacted to stop it.

Ambalath Aboobakar

Thrissur

Respect rights of all

The statement of CPI(M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan is commendable.

Naked show of union activism has adversely affected the industrial and transport sectors. Consumers are forced to pay huge sums to maintain schedules dominated by the time factor and prevent additional monetary loss.

Forceful levy of charges for a job that has not been carried out is illogical and uncivilised. If the trade unions have the liberty to exercise their rights, the same ‘rights’ are also available to those from whom the money is been extorted. The public will wholeheartedly welcome any change.

Capt. O.B. Nair

Poonithura

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala