Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Aug 5: A day after fishermen in Udupi protested against the state government's move to introduce the new system of direct benefit transfer (DBT) wherein diesel subsidies are directly transferred to the bank accounts of mechanized boat owners, it was the turn of fishermen in Dakshina Kannada to register their protest against the government's decision.
A huge number of protestors led by Karnataka purse seine fishermen's union and Mangaluru trawler boat fishermen's union held a rally from Bunder harbour to Clock Tower and then staged the protest in front of the DC's office.
Addressing the protestors, president of Karnataka purse seine fishermen's union Nithin Kumar said, "Provision of sales tax-exempted diesel was introduced 12 years ago in order to promote fishing industry. Because of this tax exemption, fishing industry managed to prospor and many youngsters began to opt for a career in this industry. But the state government introduced the new system of direct benefit transfer in the last budget. The trawler boat fishermen are facing problems because of its implementation. After repeated meetings with the MLAs and the ministers, the old system continued for two months, but now without discussing with the fishermen's representatives, this new system has been implemented. Though fishing is allowed from August 1, we have not entered the sea till now.
"The old system of paying at the delivery point is the most transparent form of giving subsidy. We all know the fate of dairy farmers, they are not receiving subsidies on time. We fear we too will face the same fate. There are multiple partners in boat business and subsidy being debited to one partner's account would create trouble. The system should continue in the same way as before. Government has earned a lot of foreign reserves by exporting fish. The 1.5 percent of concession given by central government has been canceled now and if the state government also takes away the subsidy, then what will be the fate of the fishing industry?" he said.
President of Karnataka purse-seine fishermen's union Umesh Karkera said, "In the meeting presided by the chief minister, we had explained the problems of introducing direct benefit transfer system. We have met MLA and ministers. MLA says meet the minister, and minister says meet the MLA. MRPL had promised to let out clean water but now the water in that area is so polluted that fishing is not possible.
"We may be only one fishermen, but there are 10 lac fish consumers. Fish comes from different states to Mangaluru port and from here it goes to different states. Nobody consulted us before implementing this new system. The sudden implementation has given rise to suspicion. The chief minister should make necessary arrangements and give subsidy in the old manner," he said, adding that former MP Jayaprakash Hegde is the only politician who has thought about the welfare of fishermen.
Gillnet fishing association president Ali Hasan said, "We are not begging for subsidies, it is our right. Fishermen are poor. We will not commit suicide like farmers, instead we will protest. Fisheries minister is not talking at all, why is he silent?."
Sathish Kotian, Vasudev Boloor, Hussain, Bhushan, Naveen Bangera and others were present.