PORVORIM
Expressing shock over Fisheries Minister Vinod Palyekar's statement on a possible withdrawal of subsidies to trawler owners, trawler owners operating at Malim jetty warned the government that Goans would lose their livelihood if subsidies are withdrawn.
The All Goa Purseiners Association President Harshad Dhond said the fishing business is in existence because of subsidies by the State government.
"It should be remembered that Goans are doing this fishing business. The fishing industry is p
Expressing shock over Fisheries Minister Vinod Palyekar's statement on a possible withdrawal of subsidies to trawler owners, trawler owners operating at Malim jetty warned the government that Goans would lose their livelihood if subsidies are withdrawn.
The All Goa Purseiners Association President Harshad Dhond said the fishing business is in existence because of subsidies by the State government.
"It should be remembered that Goans are doing this fishing business. The fishing industry is p
resently passing through a critical phase and poor infrastructure at Malim jetty is not at all conducive to fishing business," said Dhond.
"Trawler owners operating at Malim jetty are facing scarcity of water and diesel. There is no proper auction shed, the jetty is insufficient to anchoring all trawlers and labourers are hired from other states. Under the present circumstances, if subsidies are withdrawn, the fishing business will collapse totally and 75% of trawler owners will close down their business," he said.
"The facility of reimbursement on VAT on diesel was given to trawler owners by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in 2002-03, considering the difficulties faced by trawler owners. I don't think he would agree to a withdrawal of subsidies."
"All members of Mandovi Fisheries Association have been shocked at this sudden statement of withdrawal of subsidies. Goa Forward Party claims to protect the interests of Goenkars and preserve Goenkarponn. If subsidies are withdrawn, Goenkars will lose their livelihood and the government will be held responsible for this," said Dhond.
Dhond also claimed that the minister had failed to visit the Malim jetty, despite promising to do so.
"A meeting was convened in the fisheries department at Panaji last fortnight, where problems faced by trawler owners were highlighted. Palyekar and the fisheries secretary Govind Jaiswal IAS had agreed to visit Malim jetty within a week. But, so far they have not visited the jetty as agreed," said Dhond.
"Trawler owners operating at Malim jetty are facing scarcity of water and diesel. There is no proper auction shed, the jetty is insufficient to anchoring all trawlers and labourers are hired from other states. Under the present circumstances, if subsidies are withdrawn, the fishing business will collapse totally and 75% of trawler owners will close down their business," he said.
"The facility of reimbursement on VAT on diesel was given to trawler owners by Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar in 2002-03, considering the difficulties faced by trawler owners. I don't think he would agree to a withdrawal of subsidies."
"All members of Mandovi Fisheries Association have been shocked at this sudden statement of withdrawal of subsidies. Goa Forward Party claims to protect the interests of Goenkars and preserve Goenkarponn. If subsidies are withdrawn, Goenkars will lose their livelihood and the government will be held responsible for this," said Dhond.
Dhond also claimed that the minister had failed to visit the Malim jetty, despite promising to do so.
"A meeting was convened in the fisheries department at Panaji last fortnight, where problems faced by trawler owners were highlighted. Palyekar and the fisheries secretary Govind Jaiswal IAS had agreed to visit Malim jetty within a week. But, so far they have not visited the jetty as agreed," said Dhond.
