Voicing their demands at the World Fisheries Day event, fisherfolk urged the State government to establish a model fish market here at the earliest.
Joint Collector P. Ravi Subash said funds had been sanctioned for the market and work would begin soon after the identification of land.
Stating that people's representatives had remained indifferent to their problems across the district, representatives of fisherfolk associations highlighted their issues and demanded a separate corporation for artisanal fisherfolk of the Bestha community.
“While the government has been focusing on constructing community halls, there is much that needs to be done. It is laudable that subsidy on equipment has been increased to 50%. We request the government to further increase it to 90%. Moreover, there is a need to identify artisanal fisherfolk, as benefits of many welfare schemes are being given to unintended beneficiaries. We also demand to be included in Scheduled Tribes (ST) category,” representatives said.
Assuring them to resolve the issues, Mr. Subash asked the associations to give a representation to him. He urged them to make use of welfare schemes.
“Fisherfolk can make use of schemes, including those aimed at improving their skills. The State government is committed towards providing infrastructure for fisherfolk across the district,” he added.
Rajya Sabha member T.G. Venkatesh hailed contributions of fisherfolk and said they didn’t have alternative job options.
Later, officials distributed equipment and implements and two- and three-wheelers to beneficiaries.
MLC K.E. Prabhakar, Kurnool MLA S.V. Mohan Reddy and Fisheries Joint Director Sheikh Lal Mahmood took part.
