VASCO
The National Fishworkers' Forum (NFF) has demanded that the draft Blue Economy Policy be translated into at least 12 local languages spoken in coastal states.
This was put forth at a two-day annual general body meeting of NFF, which is being hosted by Goenchea Ramponkarancho Ekvott (GRE) in the State.
Leaders of 14 fishworkers’ unions in nine coastal states along with other organisations and supporters have come together in the State for the AGM.
Focusing on the struggles of the fishing community in Goa, NFF Chairperson Narendra Patil said the NFF and GRE stand with Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha on her view against three linear projects in Goa, which is a part of the Sagarmala project.
"Sagarmala project, which is being constructed in Goa, will have adverse effects on the lives and livelihood of fisherfolk," said Patil.
NFF Vice-Chairperson Olencio Simoes said the federation would discuss all issues confronting eight coastal states and will finalise a course of action against all destructive projects planned to destroy livelihoods and coastal ecology.
"The NFF has demanded that policies drafted by the Central government be done in consultation with the fishworkers’ communities and the draft Blue Economy Policy be translated in at least 12 local languages spoken in coastal states.”
“The date for suggestions must be extended from February 27 as the time given is extremely inadequate," said Simoes.
Earlier, the group visited the statue of Late Matanhy Saldanha at Cansaulim and paid homage in respect of the work done by him for the fishing community in Goa.
The NFF leaders garlanded the statue in the presence of Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha and remembered the services of national-level leaders, Father Thomas Kocherry, Harekrishna Debnath, Rambhau Patil, N D Koli, Matanhy Saldanha and T Peter.
NFF Chairperson Narendra Patil and other leaders said these leaders will be remembered always and their legacy will be carried forward.
