The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Fish workers to protest against cut in kerosene quota

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Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Fish workers to protest against cut in kerosene quota

Special Correspondent

Allege that corrupt officials indulge in black marketing
To lay siege to Civil Supplies office on Tuesday

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation, representing traditional fish workers in the State, is embarking on an agitation to protest against the government decision to cut the allocation of kerosene for outboard engines used to power boats.

At a press conference here on Saturday, T. Peter, president of the federation, and Anto Elias, district secretary, alleged that a section of officials in the Civil Supplies department were trying to deny the eligible quota of kerosene for fishermen with valid permits.

They said the move was part of a conspiracy hatched by corrupt officials indulging in black marketing of kerosene.

The leaders of the federation said fishermen were increasingly using two outboard engines for enhanced power and range, as well to ensure safety at sea.

Depleting stocks

“The depleting fish stocks in the coastal waters have forced us to venture out to the deep sea. This warrants the use of bigger and more powerful boats to cover a larger distance as well as to haul big nets,” Mr. Peter said.

He claimed that the number of accidents at sea had come down drastically ever since fishermen started using a spare engine for emergencies, especially during the monsoon period when the sea turned rough.

“The decision to use a spare engine was the result of a sustained campaign launched by the government in association with NGOs. It is ironic that the government is now slashing the quota of kerosene.”

The leaders said most fishermen were forced to depend on the black market to procure their requirement of kerosene.

They urged the government to restore the quantity of kerosene for fishermen with valid permits.

The federation has announced plans to lay siege to the Civil Supplies office here on Tuesday to highlight the demand.

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