Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (EP)
Kundapur, Aug 6: “Attempts are being made to call all state ministers of fisheries in the country and the concerned union ministers for a summit in Bengaluru and bring about a common fisheries policy in the country,” said minister of fisheries and youth empowerment, Pramod Madhwaraj.
Madhwaraj was speaking after acknowledging felicitations and inaugurating a conference of Byndoor and Gangolli zone country boat fishermen at J N R Kala Mandira here on Saturday August 6.
“I will try sincerely to provide suitable government facilities to eligible fishermen. Modern technology such as GPS helps in distribution of government's assistance such as Kerosene oil as per demand. Fishermen should cultivate trust, discipline and unity,” Madhwaraj said.
“Fishermen need to live in coastal region but CRZ problem has made it difficult. The concerned people are asked to simplify CRZ system with a recommendation to the union government. We will be going to hold discussions with the union government after the summit if necessary.” he added.
Speaking on the occasion, president of the programme, Byndoor MLA K Gopala Poojary said, “Several helpful programmes have been conducted for the traditional fishermen in the coastal region. I will be speaking to the concerned minister and to the Chief Minister regarding completion of three ports in Byndoor. I will also be speaking to the CM regarding approval of three thousand houses under Matsyashraya project.”
A memorandum of important demands of the fishermen was submitted to the minister.
Taluk panchayat president Jayashree Mogaveera, fisheries development corporation president Herianna, Byndoor zonal country boat association president Somashekar K M, Gangolli zonal secretary Chouki Vittal Kharvi, Kundapur taluk traditional country boat fishermen union honorary advisor Navinchandra Uppunda were present.
Gangolli zonal country boat fishermen's association president H Manju Billava welcomed. Byndoor zonal country boat fishermen association secretary Naresh Koderi proposed vote of thanks. Kundapur taluk traditional country boat fishermen's union honorary advisor Madan Kumar gave a key note address. Journalist Arun Kumar Shiroor compered the programme.