Mangaluru : A day after fishermen in Udupi protested, it was the turn of, fishermen in Mangaluru, to protest, against the state government’s introduction of the new system of direct benefit transfer (DBT). Mechanized boat owners, bank accounts will see a direct credit, of this diesel subsidies, but the fishermen in Dakshina Kannada are also against such government’s decision.

Members of Mangaluru trawler boat fishermen’s union, Karnataka purse seine fishermen’s unionin huge numbers took a rally from Bunder fishing harbour to Hampankatta, and then to DC office, where they staged the protest.

Twelve years before, sales tax-exempted subsidized, diesel was given in order to promote fishing industry. Because of this, fishing industry managed to prosper. Youngsters also began to take, fishing as a career strengthening the industry further. But this tax exemption, will be transferred, directly into the bank account of the owners of the boat according to the new DBT system introduced by the the state government. Inspite of the trawler boat fishermen facing problems, because of the new system, and even after discussing the same with MLAs and the ministers, this new system has been implemented. Since the fishing season began on August 1, as a protest we have not entered the sea till now.

These fishermen claim, that old system of paying at the delivery point is the most transparent form of giving subsidy. By other experience like dairy farmers, who do not receive thier subsidies on time, we do not want to suffer. In Boat business , there are many partners, and crediting the benefit to one partner’s account will create problems. Urging that the old system should continue, they fishermen said that the Government has earned, lot of foreign exchange reserves, by exporting fish. Central government concession of 1.5 percent given to fishermen, has been cancelled what will be the fate of the fishing industry, if the state government also takes away the subsidy,.

Meetings with Chief Minister was held and we explained our problems, We realized that our problems have fallen on deaf ears, and was forced to meet, MLA and ministers and explain, but that, has also gone in vain. Due to MRPL the water in the area, is so polluted that fishing is not possible according to. Umesh Karkera, President of Karnataka purse-seine fishermen’s union,

We fisherman was not consulted before introducing this new DBT system. There are huge consumers for fish here, and they come from different states to Mangaluru port and also from here it goes to different states. We suspect the sudden implementation of the new system, also as per Umesh Karkera. Who also said, that only former MP Jayaprakash Hegde thought about the welfare of fishermen.

We should not beg for subsidies, and they are our rights, Though we are also poor like the farmer’s we will not commit suicide and also protest. Said Ali Hasan, president, Gillnet fishing association,