The Centre will take firm steps to put an end to the problems being faced by fishermen, Shipping Minister G.K.Vasan said on Saturday.
Unveiling a six-foot bronze statue of M.Singaravelar, a freedom fighter and fishermen leader at the administrative office complex of the Fisheries Harbour Management Committee at Kasimedu here, he explained that the fishermen community faced several problems.
Mr.Vasan said the Centre was taking steps to solve fishermen’s problems. It was due to the Centre’s efforts that talks between the fishermen of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka were held recently and they would continue.
The function was organised by the Chennai Port Trust (ChPT.)
He paid tributes to Singaravelar for his role in the freedom struggle, and philanthropy and his tireless efforts towards the uplift of the poor. No one had erected a statue for the leader so far. This showed “we are interested in fishermen’s welfare” he said amidst applause. Further, the development of the Chennai Port and other infrastructure such as road expansion was being done considering the development of the fishing harbour.
ChPT Chairman Atulya Misra described Singaravelar as a great scholar, freedom fighter and one who was the first to start the May Day celebrations in India.
‘AAP lost chance’Later talking to newspersons, Mr.Vasan referring to the resignation of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said the Aam Aadmi Party had lost a chance to rule. This only showed that Mr.Kejriwal and his Ministers were not fit to run the government. The people were not prepared to support them he said, adding that AAP leaders needed political experience.
As regards the alliance in Tamil Nadu for the coming Lok Sabha elections, Mr.Vasan said the AICC would take a decision in the matter.
