Kolkata: Defence Minister George Fernandes on April 12 expressed himself strongly against too many holidays in a calendar year at the expense of national development.

Beginning from this weekend till April 20, there would be several holidays, which would cost one-third of a month's production, Fernandes said while inaugurating the 101st Annual General Meeting of the Merchants' Chamber of Commerce.

Comparing holidays in China to that in India, Fernandes said it was less than 10 per cent. "That is why China has managed to maintain over 10 per cent growth in economy for the past one and half decades."

The Defence Minister said that the country also suffered badly because of those averse or too lazy to work, adding that the labour movement should not aim solely at finding better means of earning money, but exploring ways to increase productivity too.

"Till we overcome the malady of aversion to work, the national economy will continue to suffer," he said.

Besides holidays and lack of work culture, Fernandes felt corruption was another deterrent to economic development.

Inflow of foreign funds and exports will naturally stop if India occupies about the 80th position among the list of 125 most corrupt countries in the world."

PTI