'Fishermen from SC/ST are deprived of facilities'

The members said that the fisheries department is following discrimination against those who are into fishing profession.

Inaugurating the programme, DSS District Convenor N Venkatesh alleged that the Fisheries Department officials are working in favour of the upper class and are harassing the fishermen belonging to the lower class.

“The officers must immediately stop harassing the fishermen. The Government has to distribute benefits to the deserving fishermen belonging to SC/ST. If the discrimination continues, then protest will be staged in front of the Department office and DSS will extend its full support,” he said.

CMC member Devi Prasad said that the officers and the government are harassing the fishermen. There is lack of unity among the members.

“The fishermen should unite and fight for their rights,” he said.

Presiding over the function, Society President V Dharmesh said that the officers from Fisheries Department have chalked out a plan to suppress the fishermen and traders belonging to lower class. All the benefits, schemes and programmes of the government are utilised by the fishermen belonging to the upper class. Fishermen belonging to SC/ST are deprived of the facilities,” he alleged.

“The Department officials have failed to give financial aid of Rs 60,000 to the fishermen belonging to SC/ST community. No lakes have been developed to carry out fishing activity,” he said.