Fishermen meet seeks national fishing policy

The govt must create separate ministry for fisheries

The two-day conference had fishermen representatives from Gujarat, Maharshtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Diu Daman, Goa and Lakshadweep. The 20 point resolution formulated after rigourous deliberations read that a Joint Working Committee must be formed to monitor, negotiate the custody of fishermen and confiscate the boats with Pakistan and Srilankan government.

The resolution stated that the government, both Centre and the states must think of creating a separate ministry to look after the matters related to fisheries, which is an important employment sector.

Implementation of Murari Committee Report, which was approved by Cabinet in 1997, concession on electricity for cold storage and ice factories, strict implementation of uniform ban on fishing using mechanised boat for 90 days, from May to August, loan to farmers at 4 per cent interest rates, waiver of outstanding loans, increase of finance grant from Rs 60,000 to Rs one lakh under Matsya Ashraya Scheme, establishment of upgraded marketing facilities were prominent demands. Insurance coverage, proper compensation in case of land acquisition, release of properly treated industrial waste into water bodies, free housing sites for fishermen were the other demands.