Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network - Kundapur (EP)
Kundapur, May 5: "Fishermen belong to a trustworthy community. They help others cross the river and do not let anyone drown. Country boat fishermen have placed several demands before the government. In this connection, we will be meeting the chief minister along with the local MLA and the minister of fisheries Abhaychandra Jain. A sincere attempt will be made to fulfil their demands," said Karnataka minister of ports and textiles, Baburao Chinchanasoor.
He was speaking during the inaugural programme of a zonal country boat fishermen complex at Uppunda, Byndoor here on Wednesday, May 4.
"A discussion has been held in the cabinet and a recommendation sent to the union government that Kharvi, Gangaputras and the downtrodden in the society who rely on fishing be included in the scheduled tribe category," he added.
Minister of fisheries, Abhaychandra Jain who inaugurated the complex said that Rs 1 crore grant is being released for the repairs of fisheries road every year. "A hundred houses are also being built for fishermen every year," he said.
MLA K Gopal Poojary who presided over the programme said that Rs 102 crore has been released for the development of Gangolli port and the work on it will be started soon after the ground breaking ceremony.
"Similarly, Rs 30 crore has been released for the second phase of work on Koderi port and Rs 43 crore for the second work of work on Maravanthe port," he said.
Zilla panchayat member Suresh Batwadi, taluk panchayat member Premila Devadiga, Byndoor zonal country boat fishermen association president B Kumara Kharvi, honorary president Prabhakara Kharvi, Gangolli zonal country boat fishermen association president Manju Billava, Shiroor minority fishermen association president Khabsi Mohammed, fishermen community leader Keshava Kunder, fisheries department officials Parshwanatha, Rathod, Jambavali, Nagaraju and others were present.
Byndoor zonal country boat fishermen association honorary president Navinchandra gave the keynote address. S Madana Kumar conveyed his best wishes.
Association secretary Shekar Kharvi welcomed the gathering. Prasanna Kumar compered the programme. Treasurer Annayya Kharvi proposed the vote of thanks.