Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 03 December 2024
A delegation of key representatives from the fishing community, including S U Maheswar Rao, Member of the Governing Body at NFDB Hyderabad, Mr. B Hema Raju, General Secretary of the Fishermen Welfare Association, and Mr. Abdul Majeed, Secretary of the Island Fisheries Cooperative Society Ltd., met with the Chief Secretary (CS) of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Administration. During the meeting, the delegation welcomed the Chief Secretary’s recent appointment and presented a list of long-pending issues that require urgent attention for the welfare of the fishermen and associated communities in the region.
Among the major points raised were:
1. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): The delegation called for the design of schemes under PMMSY tailored to the strategic location of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They suggested that small-scale initiatives be incorporated to ensure maximum benefit for local fishermen, fish vendors, and fish traders.
2. Construction of Ice Plant: The group requested the construction of a 100 MT capacity ice plant in Sri Vijaya Puram City, a crucial infrastructure project to support the local fishing industry.
3. Fishermen Modern Village Scheme: The delegation urged the re-launch of the “Fishermen Modern Village” initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to improve living conditions for the fishing community.
4. Social Welfare for Fishermen: The representatives pressed for recognition of the poor fishermen community in the A & N Islands as OBC (Other Backward Class) and BPL (Below Poverty Line), ensuring access to better social benefits.
5. Waiving of Loans: They requested the waiving of working capital loans along with interest for the 26 fisheries cooperative societies in the region, alleviating financial pressures on these groups.
6. Fishing Infrastructure Development: The delegation highlighted the need for the construction of a fishing landing centre/jetty, fishnet mending centre, and fish market in Dugnabad, a long-standing demand from the community.
7. Support for Traditional Crafts: They also recommended allowing the construction of traditional Bonga Dongi under the UT Plan Scheme instead of the wooden FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) craft.
8. Dredging of Sea Areas: The need for dredging at various fish landing jetties and centres, including at Junglighat, Panighat, Wandoor, Mayabunder, and Hut Bay, was also brought to the Chief Secretary’s attention to ensure smooth operations for the fishing industry.
The meeting marked a significant step towards improving the livelihoods and welfare of the fishing communities in the A & N Islands.