Governments 'interest' in fish-traders'

Volunteers of the associations II Image Source: Internet

Udupi: Following the formation of the Udupi Taluk Women Fish-traders’ Association on Feb 1st, the Government has issued orders to grant loans up to Rs 50000 to fishermen with 3% interest.

“The subsidized interests will be borne to the nationalized banks by the Government”, said Pramod Madhwaraj, President of Dakshina Kannada Mogavira Mahajana Sangha.

Additionally, under the scheme of Krishivikas Yojana, a few fish markets of the existing 21 fish markets in and around Udupi will be granted a sum of 10 lakhs, for development of the same. He briefed that the association was formed with a view to empower women, demand various key programs and block activities that adversely affect the lives of fishermen. 

“Any disorganized sector, when made into an organized one, testifies the willingness of the government to strengthen the underdeveloped communities”, said Madhwaraj. He stated the demand for formation of a new association being the reason for protests, as false. The protests, displayed by the fishermen, were against the deployment of retail cold storage facilities along the coast that were largely marketed by women, proposed by the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation, as it would bring down the demand for fresh fish.

Speaking at the inaugural function of Udupi Taluk Mahila Hasi Meenu Maratagarara Sangha, (the Udupi Taluk Women Fish-traders’ Association), Dr V S Acharya, Home Minister of Karnataka, said that the demand for dropping the proposal of creating cold storage facilities, will be considered. The other demand for providing benches for fisherwomen and fixing slabs at a height to keep fish in the market would also be considered.

“The Government sales tax exemption for diesel used by fishermen up to 75000 kilolitres in the 2009-10 State budget is likely to be increased by about 20% to 90,000 kilolitres in the following budget”, added Madhwaraj. Further, if the fisherwomen agreed to pay a small premium, the Government will also be keen on providing health insurance cover to them.

Sub-edited by: Kerban Billimoria