Fishermen demand separate ministry for fisheries welfare

Fishermen in the district today demanded for setting up a separate Fisheries ministry in the Union Government.
They pressed for their demand to a team Tamil Nadu BJP leaders who met them as per the directions of the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Union Minister, Pon. Radhakrishnan to hear problems faced by the fishermen in the coastal areas of the state.
The team, headed by BJP's state general secretary, Muruganandam visited various fishing hamlets in the district yesterday and today.
At Akkaraipettai and Keechankuppam hamlets, women members of fishermen families appealed for action to bring back the boats seized by the Lankan Navy during various incidents in recent years.

Other demands include supply of diesel at production cost, subsidy for purchase of fishing equipments and security for the lives of fishermen venturing into the sea.
Speaking to reporters later, Muruganandam said they will submit a report to the Union Minister Pon Radhankrishnan soon.
The Minister who will meet representatives of fishermen associations at Chennai on August 16 will submit a report to the Prime Minister explaining the steps to be taken to redress their grievances, he said.