more-inDemanding that the fishermen be paid royalty by the oil companies and other industrial units that were contributing to the drop in fishing catch, chairman of the National Association of Fishermen Gajendra Bhanji on Monday said a new law should be enacted by the Parliament to this affect to protect the interests of the fishermen. Addressing a press conference along with the State president of Fisherwomen Empowerment Association K. Padmasri and other leaders from the community here, Dr. Gajendra said the risk involved in deep sea fishing being undertaken by the traditional fishermen must be acknowledged by the government. The bankers are averting the fishermen from availing loans by citing dubious reasons,” he said. Ms. Padmasri highlighted the need for promoting education and empowerment among the fisherwomen and said they were the most vulnerable community. “Though the fishermen are engaged in the most dangerous occupation, they are not getting adequate support from the government.

Source: The Hindu December 04, 2017 19:30 UTC