Pics: Umesh Mapalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jul 13: Condemning the state government for ignoring the interests of fisherfolk, a protest was staged by the fishing community at Hi-Tech Fish Market Udupi, near PPC road on Friday, July 13.

Baby Salian, who is a member of the Raw Fish Marketing Fisherwomen Association alleged that the coalition government is biased and is looking at the interests of only few districts while ignoring the coastal areas in the budget.

“Chief Minister Kumaraswamy has discriminated the coastal region. Fishermen are also like farmers. We also struggle hard to earn our livelihood. The government must provide loan of Rs 25,000 which is interest free. Just like farmer’s loans even the fishermen’s loans need to be waived off,” she demanded.

Apart from this, she complained about the poor maintenance of fish market, congestion due to lack of space, lack of toilets and water. The concerned department should address these problems, asserted Baby Salian.

“Though there were plans for the development of fishermen in the past budget, special attention is given to Ramanagar, Hassan and Mandya districts in the present budget. Is government practicing revenge politics? Fishing contributes to the revenue for this state. There is scope to attract tourists by providing more facilities. The fishermen association has given a memorandum to concerned department,” said another leader from fishing community Yatish Kotian.

The fishing community members demanded that the government should increase the subsidy amount for diesel and petrol. It should be directly distributed from the Food and Civil Supply Department. The State government must provide loans on zero interest. Matsashraya Yojana must be revived and Hejamady harbour should be constructed, they demanded.