Kerala Regional Latin Catholic Council (KRLCC) president and Thiruvananthapuram Archbishop (Latin rite) Soosa Pakiam M. has urged the State government not to delay the rehabilitation package and other benefits that have been announced for the families of the Ockhi victims.
Delivering the presidential address at the inaugural ceremony of the 31st General Assembly of KRLCC on Saturday, the Archbishop said the victims of calamities were often gradually forgotten, despite coming under media focus for a long while in the aftermath of such disasters. “The lapses on the part of the government machinery had aggravated the impact of the calamity. The government should adopt a proactive stance in dealing with the situation. The victims did not require a pittance, but security for their lives and livelihood,” he said.
Inaugurating the function, Union Minister of State for Tourism and IT K.J. Alphons called for combined efforts by the governments and the Church to improve the quality of life of the fishing community.
Calling for protecting the rights of the fisherfolk, Mr. Alphons said that a permanent solution was necessary to their problems.
He also emphasised on the need to focus on minimising the impact of disasters in the future, rather than harping on the past or holding the Central or State governments responsible for the situation.
He appealed the gathering to stand by those who worked for their welfare and were bold enough to bring about meaningful changes to the conditions that prevailed.
Kollam Bishop Stanley Roman, Coadjutor Bishop of Alappuzha James Raphael Anaparambil, KRLCC vice-president Shaji George and secretary Smitha B. Joy also spoke on the occasion.
