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5 per cent reservation for fishermen in MBC sought

PUDUCHERRY: An official function held here on Wednesday to mark the World Fishermen Day provided an opportunity to leaders of different political parties to highlight problems faced by the fisherfolk. Chief Minister N. Rangasamy and Minister for Education and Fisheries M.O.H.F. Shahjahan participated in the function.

Leader of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam in the Assembly A. Anbalagan pleaded with the government to enhance the budgetary allocation for implementing long-term plans for infrastructure development in the fisheries sector, besides promoting the welfare of 19,000 families of fishermen in the Union Territory. He also called for steps to provide 5 per cent internal reservation for the fishermen in the quota for the Most Backward Classes, considering their population. The longstanding demand for setting up of a separate welfare board for fishermen should be conceded by the government, he said.

Mr. Anbalagan urged the government to take steps such as creation of alternative credit facilities with a view to liberating fishermen from the clutches of usury. He also stressed the need for monitoring the implementation of the welfare schemes.

He urged the government to increase the allowance given for the fishermen during the ban on fishing every year to Rs.1,500 from Rs.750. Adequate safeguards were necessary to ensure that the Coastal Regulation Zone Act did not come in the way of taking up housing schemes for fishermen in the coastal areas, he said.

The AIADMK leader pleaded with the government to expedite the housing projects in the tsunami-hit areas.

He pleaded for urgent measures to dredge the fishing harbour to facilitate navigation of the mechanised boats without difficulty.

Vice-president of the Puducherry Munnetra Congress (PMC) K. Lakshminarayanan wanted the government to set a deadline for completing the ongoing rehabilitation measures.

Referring to problems faced by fishermen in availing themselves of bank loans, he said the government should come forward to start a bank exclusively for them so that funds were disbursed without any hassles. Assistance should be extended to fishermen at low interest rates along with subsidies through a welfare board, he added.

Referring to the mid-sea accidents, PMC MLA N. Anandu said the fishermen should be provided with lifejackets and other safety equipment.

Legislator of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam R.Rajaraman appreciated the government’s efforts to alleviate the problems of the fishermen, particularly those in the tsunami-hit areas.

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