Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, while speaking at the National Fish Farmers Day 2026 programme on Thursday, announced that the Fisheries Department will issue identity cards to traditional Goan fishermen and fish vendors to safeguard local livelihoods and ensure the availability of quality fish in the state.
Speaking further, Sawant said that only Goan residents who have lived in the state for at least 15 years and are engaged in the traditional fishing trade will be eligible for these identity cards. But how can migrants who have lived in the State for at least 15 years suddenly become Goans, obtain identity cards, and be recognised as traditional Goan fishermen?
Secondly, what is the purpose of issuing identity cards to so-called traditional Goan fishermen when many of them have already handed over much of the fishing industry, including their fishing boats, to migrants from neighbouring states? This has been done mainly for financial gain, allowing them to earn income without actively participating in the fishing business.
Chief Minister Sawant should first take strict action against those traditional Goan fishermen who have handed over the fishing industry to outsiders for the sake of money. Only then should the government speak of safeguarding the interests of local fishermen and ensuring that Goans have access to fresh, good-quality fish instead of fish brought from outside, which many people believe is commonly sold by migrant vendors in fish markets and even door to door across Goa.
Jerry Fernandes, Saligao
