Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Jun 16: "If the insurance under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada scheme is not reaching the poor fishermen community, what is the use of the insurance scheme? Though 20 fishermen succumbed during the fishing activities, the union government has failed to release compensation to their families," said minister for fisheries and ports inland transport Mankal S Vaidya.
He was speaking to the officials at the DC office here on Friday June 16. He further said, “The insurance should help the poor, if it is not useful, what is the use of insurance? The previous government in the state has failed to release the compensation to the deceased fishermen's families. Our government will release the compensation within 30 days.”
The minister also instructed the officials of the fisheries department to send a proposal to the government seeking compensation by visiting the beneficiaries' residences.
He also added that the kerosene for the fishermen's community has not been released for the past 10 months, but the present government will make all the arrangements to provide diesel and kerosene on time.
The minister also asked the district administration to make proper arrangements of shed and drinking water facilities for the fishermen's community who are repairing the fishing nets. “I will be visiting the district once in a month. No fisherman should suffer due to official apathy," he said.
He also asked the district administration to take proper precautionary measures during the monsoon.
Deputy commissioner Ravikumar M R informed that Uchila, Battappady, Sea Ground, and Mukkachery sea shores were damaged due to sea erosion during the last monsoon. “Hence, in this regard to control further damages this rainy season, a proposal to construct temporary retaining walls and roads has been sent to the government. To prevent any major damage, the government should release Rs 59.50 lac under NDRF and SDRF guidelines to the District Disaster Management Authority.”
Zilla panchayat CEO Kumar and other officials were present.