Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Aug 4: Hundreds of fishermen descended on the streets here on Tuesday August 4 in protest against the state government's new system of direct benefit transfer (DBT) wherein diesel subsidies are directly transferred to the bank accounts of mechanized boat owners.

The protestors led by Malpe fishermen's association held a rally from Malpe harbour to the tahsildar's office in Bannanje where the protest was held.

Addressing the protest, Yashpal Suvarna, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts Co-operative Fish Marketing Federation said, "The state government introduced the new system in the last budget in the month of March this year. The trawler boat fishermen are facing problems because of its implementation. The plight of coastal fishermen is similar to that of farmers. In fact, farmers are getting more benefits than fishermen."

He urged the state government to withdraw the new system of sales tax refund to the bank accounts of mechanized boat owners and urged re-introduction of the old system where subsidies were given at delivery point.

Hiriyanna T Kediyoor, president of the Malpe fishermen’s association addressing the protestors said that the new policy will be a bane to the fishing community.

Gopal Kundar, honourary president of deep sea fishermen’s union said, "If the subsidy amount is given at the delivery point, it can be used for the right purpose. Otherwise, there are chances that the money may be misused for personal interests like payment of loans, purchasing domestic items etc. The state government can take strict measures if there is any wrongdoing."

The protestors also submitted a memorandum to deputy commissioner R Vishal with the following demands:

- Diesel subsidy should be paid at delivering point instead of direct transfer to bank accounts.

- Bring changes in the policy of providing one boat per family to providing boat to anyone who wants to engage in fishing independently.

- Increase the limit for diesel subsidy from 300 litres to 600 litres per day

- Provide diesel quota on an annual basis rather than monthly

- To issue licences to boat owners who do not have them

- To increase the present engine capacity of 350 litres to 500 litres

The protest got less response than expected as small boat owners and employees did not take part in the rally.