Even as the Centre is taking all out efforts to find a permanent solution for the fishermen being arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy while crossing the border, the Tamil Nadu fishermen should carryout their fishing operations in a restrained fashion, Minister of State for Shipping and Highways Pon. Radhakrishnan has said.
Speaking to reporters here on Friday, Mr. Radhakrishnan, after participating in the ‘swaach bharat’ programme organised by the Tuticorin Port Trust, said the Narendra Modi-led Central Government, which had so far ensured the release of over 1,000 Tamil fishermen after coming to power, was taking every possible step to permanently stop the arrest of fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy on crossing the maritime boundary line by holding direct talks with the Prime Minister and the President of the island nation.
Moreover, steps were being taken to conduct talks between the fishermen of the two nations. Until a permanent solution was evolved, the Tamil fishermen should carryout their fishing operations in a restrained fashion, he appealed.
The Minister said India was prepared to resume the operation of ferry service between Colombo and Tuticorin and it was up to the Sri Lankan Government to take a final decision in this connection.
Mr. Radhakrishnan said he would speak to the ministers concerned for starting Kendriya Vidhyalaya and ESI hospitals at Tuticorin.
On the ongoing lorry strike, the Minister said the Centre was in need of huge money for upgrading the existing national highways as it was being used for more than 40 per cent of the cargo transport in the country. Hence, the public had no other way but to pay toll for using the national highways.
“There is no second opinion that the toll slabs should be restructured and the government is working on it by holding extensive discussions. Hence, the lorry owners should withdraw their strike,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said.
He informed that the Tuticorin Port, under its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, had spent Rs. 3.50 crore during last fiscal for constructing cancer treatment blocks in Tuticorin and Tirunelveli government medical college hospitals.
Participating in the ‘Swaach Bharat’ programme at Tuticorin Port Trust school ground, the Minister said construction of toilets in every house would be ensured by October 2, 2019 to end open defecation. While the country was progressing in all spheres, cleanliness should be ensured in every nook and corner of the nation, for which every Indian should contribute.
“Toilets have been constructed in 8.46 crore rural houses across the country and 4.64 lakh urban families have also received this facility during the last fiscal with official assistance. On behalf of the Tuticorin Port Trust, Rs. 78 lakh has been allotted for constructing toilets in the houses of rural poor. If needed, additional funds will be allotted for the purpose,” Mr. Radhakrishnan said.
Chairman of the port S. Ananda Chandrabose, vice-chairman S. Natarajan participated in the function.
