They cast the job net wide
To net a job: The odyssey of migrant workers
Migrant workers from the drought-hit districts of north Karnataka have found a new and for them, unusual, source of livelihood - fishing off the shores of the brimming Kali river in Uttara Kannada district.
Like in every year of drought, most of the able-bodied men from Gadag, Koppal and Haveri district embarked on a mass exodus, soon after rain played truant in north Karnataka districts, dashing their hopes of a good crop and a comfortable livelihood.
As migration began in the latter half of the monsoon which failed, as usual, the destination was cities which offered some employment. But this year, many migrated to Uttara Kannada district.
They are now employed by the fishermen on the shores of Kali river in Karwar for getting the boats ready for the fishing season that will commence on August 1, after the brief period of ban in the month of Ashada.
Learning the tricks
They are also learning the tricks of trade and hope to earn a tidy sum by the end of fishing season. Fishing is a new occupation for more than 10 youths from Pattalachinti village in Kushtagi taluk of Koppal district. They have picked up the skills of repairing the boats and spreading the fishing nets and even mending them.
Sharanappa Gudura, Basavaraj Rajur, Jagadish Ingaldal, Manju Dandin, Basavaraj Bommanal, Hanumant Watnal and Mahesh Kushtagi are now confident that they would become expert fishermen soon.
The youth, who have studied up to SSLC or PUC, have taken to the fishing despite having no knowledge of swimming, a prerequisite for a fisherman.
The youth had tried other jobs as well before embarking on fishing. Rajura tried to get into the army, participating in a recruitment rally thrice, but couldn’t get through.
Sharanappa was cheated by a con man who took money from him promising to get a job in the army.
They have gave up dreaming of government jobs. But, now they have pinned their hopes on their new occupation.
“We don’t get enough wages at our villages. But, if we work in the boats, after deducting all our daily expenses, we get Rs 25 extra. During the season, we can earn more and probably save up to Rs 60,000 by the end of the season,” says Sharanappa.
