MAPUSA
The State government’s committee constituted to study fish price regulation and explore the possibility of introducing a subsidised fish scheme has held two meetings so far, but has yet to arrive at any concrete proposal to make fish more affordable in the State.
Deputy Director of Fisheries Chandrakant Velip said the committee had held two meetings and was in the process of consulting stakeholders before finalising its recommendations. “We have already held two meetings under the committee. We have asked for views from different stakeholders like various fishing associations, fishermen, local fish vendors and others,” Velip said. The government had informed the Assembly during the March session that it had constituted a committee to examine fish price regulation and explore the feasibility of introducing a subsidised fish scheme to ensure that fish remained within the reach of consumers.
According to the Fisheries Department, the committee was constituted under the chairmanship of the Secretary (Fisheries) to examine existing market practices and recommend measures to regulate fish prices in the State.
The panel has been tasked with studying variations in fish prices across markets and suggesting measures to establish a fair, transparent and stable pricing mechanism. The broader objective is to balance the interests of fishermen, consumers, traders and other stakeholders while ensuring that fish is available to Goan consumers at reasonable prices. The committee is also expected to consult a wider cross-section of stakeholders before submitting its recommendations. These consultations include representatives of political parties, non-governmental organisations working in consumer affairs, fish traders and those involved in fishing, trading and processing activities. However, with two meetings completed and consultations still underway, the government’s March assurance has so far remained at the deliberation stage, with no decision yet on either a fish price-regulation mechanism or a subsidised fish scheme.
