8226; Apropos of ‘Fire the non-issue’ IE, June 8, the writer mentioned that he has no idea as to how many applications for layoffs and retrenchments were denied or how many companies have not even sought permission to retrench. Besides, such a case by case process gives rise to government corruption for obvious reasons. Most importantly, though, even if all applications for retrenchments are granted, the mere fact that by law a company has to take permission to lay off workers acts as a deterrent against hiring more workers or setting up manufacturing facilities in India such as those in China. No matter how one tries to sugarcoat India rigid labour laws, the manufacturing sector will lag behind the competition and it will prevent large scale employment that is so necessary to raise people from poverty.