Government today promised to have a relook into 61-day annual fishing ban along the coastal states after members from Tamil Nadu and Kerala raised the issue in Lok Sabha.
"The matter was discussed with the state government... I have requested the agriculture minister. He will call a meeting with the MPs on the issue," Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said in the House on behalf the government when the issue was raised during Zero Hour.
The issue of fishing ban on east and west coast of the country was raised by K V Thomas (Cong) and he was supported by K C Venugopal (Cong), N K Premachandran (RSP) and P. Venugopal (AIADMK).
Parrikar said the ban has been imposed beyond 12 nautical miles which is beyond the territorial boundaries of the states.
Venugopal said that on April 10, the agriculture ministry came out with a notification that fishing would be banned along the East Coast between April 15-June 14 and along West Cost between June 1-July 31.
"Kerala would be the worst hit because of the ban. It is a serious threat to the traditional fishermen in the state," he said.
Members, including Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, demanded a reply from Parrikar who was present in the House.
During the ban period, the mechanised boats are barred from entering the deep seas for fishing.
Mekapati Rajamohan Reddy (YSRCP) raised the issue of death of ace mountaineer Malli Mastan Babu, who was found dead during an expedition in the mountains of Argentina in March.
He demanded National Gallantry Award for Babu and help to his family.
Responding to this, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Venkaiah Naidu said Babu is the country's "pride".
He said he will discuss with his colleagues in the government about awarding Babu and examine what help can be given.
Babu had in 2006 scaled seven summits of the world in 172 days.
