Centre has ignored proposal to include fishermen under ST category: CM

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said Congress-led state government has recommended to the central government that the inclusion of fishermen community should be done under ST category.

Speaking after performing foundation stone laying ceremony for 100 bedded Srimati Lakshmi Soma Bangera Maternity hospital to be built at Kundapur at a cost of Rs five crore, the chief minister said the government has already recommended twice for the inclusion of the fishermen community under ST category. But in vain.  No measures are taken in that direction. Sadly, the power lies with the central government, he regretted and said that the communities which are in the proposed list include Besta, Kharvi, Koli, and Mogaveera among others.

He said he would keep compelling the central government. He assured to earmark Rs 100 crore for Ambigara Chowdaiah Development Board, which would be beneficial for fishermen community and all 39 alternative subcategories. He added Congress government started the birthday celebrations of Ambigara Chowdaiah, which was not done by any government earlier.

Asserting himself as the promoter of Ahinda ideologies, the chief minister said he is not shameful of claiming to be so. He said he would voice the troubles of poor irrespective of caste and religion. He would wholeheartedly support all who are in distress. He said he is committed to those who are victimized.

Stating that there are 2.96 lakh fishermen in the state, the chief minister said it is his government which announced 300 liters of diesel subsidy for mechanized fishing boats. He assured to release all the pending subsidy amount for the fishermen.