The Hindu : National : Ministry assures coastal States of all assistance

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Tuesday, Dec 30, 2008
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Ministry assures coastal States of all assistance

Special Correspondent

It was felt there is an urgent need to have uniformity on policy of registration of boats
Several States seek Home Ministry’s help in setting up coastal police stations

NEW DELHI: The Home Ministry on Monday assured the coastal States that it would provide all assistance to them to secure the sea-front and asked the Shipping Ministry to draft a proposal soon on registration of fishing boats and issuance of identity cards to fishermen.

At a meeting, chaired by Secretary (Border Management) Jarnail Singh and attended by representatives of nine coastal States and four Union Territories, it was pointed out that the States required adequate funds to procure high-speed vessels, high-tech naval equipment and all other security requirements.

“We have asked the Shipping Ministry to submit a proposal within seven to 10 days on how to have all fishing boats registered with the police department, to maintain a list of their owners and issuing identity cards to fishermen operating in high sea,” a senior official of the Home Ministry said.

The move comes considering the fact that the coastal States — Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa and West Bengal — and four Union Territories follow different policies for registration of boats. It was felt that there was an urgent need to have uniformity on the issue.

The meeting considered a format developed by the Register General of India and whether that could be followed for issuance of identity cards to fishermen.

Several States, including West Bengal, sought the Home Ministry’s help in the setting up of coastal police stations and strengthening of the marine wing of State police, informed sources said.

The Home Ministry is working on a proposal of having close coordination among the Coast Guard, Navy and police for toning up coastal security. The Centre is also laying emphasis on speedy implementation of the coastal security scheme being implemented since 2005-06.

The Ministry launched the scheme over two years ago and sanctioned 73 police stations in nine coastal States and four Union Territories. Sanction has also been given for 97 check posts, 58 outposts and 30 barracks.

The sources said coastal police stations were being equipped with 204 boats, 153 jeeps and 312 motorcycles.

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