The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Fishermen seek ST status

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Dec 24, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Fishermen seek ST status

HYDERBAD: The governing council of New Delhi-based National Association of Fishermen that met here on Saturday sought inclusion of fishermen in the Scheduled Tribes list and allotment of pattas for one lakh idle, disused ponds. It also wanted restoration of residential limit of 250 metres from the seashore.

Tripurari Lal, secretary-general, in a statement here on Sunday said the association would soon present a status paper on the social, economic and political conditions of fishermen and take up the issue at the appropriate levels at the Centre and State.

He opposed the Centre’s recent order prohibiting construction of houses by fishermen within 500 metres of the seashore as it ‘gravely affected and dislocated their habitation’.

Opposed

The council also opposed the government’s decision to allow import of fish by private parties, mostly from European countries, as it cut the market share of traditional fishermen in the coastal States and affected their livelihood.

While demanding ban on imports, it wanted the government to prohibit fishing by foreign vessels in the Indian Ocean since it adversely affected traditional fishermen.

B.S. Chauhan, association’s working chairman was in the chair. P.V. Mohanan, vice-chairman and State unit presidents Mettu Prasad (AP), Anil Gadkar (Madhya Pradesh) and M. Kalappan (Tamil Nadu), were among those present. The council resolved that Mr. Chauhan represent the association in the Governing Council of the National Fisheries Development Board.

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