Fishers not happy over govt aid

Srikakulam: Fishermen expressed their displeasure over government aid for fishing ban period in the state. They felt that the government aid Rs 4,000 is meagre for 61 days ban period as they are losing more income.  

Ban on fishing only applicable to motorised and mechanised boats. In Srikakulam 11,000 marine fishermen are fishing on these boats, across the state in nine coastal districts 57,000 marine fishermen are fishing with these boats.

Earlier, the government aid was only 31 kg rice for ban period, later, it was enhanced to Rs 2,000 and for the past three years, the aid is Rs 4,000 for each fishermen family, who are depending on motorised or mechanised boats. The ban on fishing is being implemented in the east coast for the past 10 years under the Coastal Regulation Act. 

Total 61 days ban period is the gestation period for fish. For strict implementation of ban period, the fisheries department officials have to coordinate with revenue, civil and marine police. Rs 2,500, registration of boat for fishing would be cancelled and fish will also sold in auction If anyone violates the rule. To get Rs 4,000 aid, fishermen should follow the rules like standard colour code for boats, life jackets, life- saving kits and GPS facility for all boats. 

In addition to it, every fishermen should have an Aadhaar card, mobile number, ration card and these are all included in bio-metric identity card and these details are being linked with bank accounts. Due to these conditions, last year, only 37,000 fishermen received Rs 4,000 aid out of total 57,000 fishermen across the state. 

In all, 350 fishermen are waiting for last year aid. “We will clear all payments soon”, joint director for fisheries department  VV Krishna Murthy told this newspaper.