Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SS)

Mangalore, Sep 25: A meeting of Fisheries Department was held on Monday September 23 at the office of district police commissioner. The meeting was presided over by Minister Abhayachandra Jain.

The meeting was conducted in the presence of MLA J R Lobo, Mohiuddin Bava, deputy commissioner N Prakash and other officials from the fisheries department.

The main aim of the meeting was to discuss about the welfare of the fishermen community across the districts of Karnataka.

During the meeting it was learnt that under the scheme of Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana the government has sanctioned Rs 2,500 lac project for strengthening fish marketing activities in Karnataka state. Apart from this loans are provided on interest rate less as 3%, ice plants are initiated for Rs 420 lac in areas such as Mangalore, Malpe, Honnavar etc.

Hygiene fish marketing, also being an essential subject was raised during the meeting. The cost of the project is estimated to be around Rs 200 lac, and also temporary fabrication was suggested as fishermen sell on streets and have no land rights.

The scheme concerned to the SC’s and ST’s are also to be initiated. As per the federation in South Kerala and mainly in Mulky and Boloor areas the SC’s and ST’s prominently indulge in selling cockles, assistance is also provided to them under the SCP scheme but a exclusive scheme is yet to be introduced.

To uplift the fish trade even transportation is encouraged, earlier a nominal amount from the government was given to buy Bajaj Morpeth as it was widely used but as the production has stopped, thus Rs 35,000 and Rs 20,000 are given respectively for a four wheeler or a two wheeler.

The department of fisheries also confirmed that registration of the boat is extremely important, as benefits can only be acquired with a registration certification. In case of boat damage, the insurance amount and Rs 25,000 compensation is specified.

Under the SCP scheme, almost 5000 people are provided assistance and the department is aiming to make it up to 10,000 people in the future.

Minister Abhayachandra Jain assured and said, “The money will be released for the necessary schemes and upcoming project towards the betterment of the fishermen.”

“Land distribution rights would be initiated in future and hydro electricity project approval will be considered”, he added.

MLA J R Lobo said, “A separate meeting must be instigated for every district along with the deputy commissioner so that they might have a broader aspect.”

The meeting concluded as Minister Abhayachandra Jain presented a cheque to a fisher women for her welfare.