Title: Need to implement the recommendations of Murari Committee regarding increase in quota of Kerosene to fishermen.
SHRI ABDULLAKUTTY (CANNANORE): Sir, I raise an important issue concerning the fishermen of India.
Day before yesterday, the All-India Fishermen Coordination Committee staged a demonstration in the Capital highlighting their important demands. Their first demand is that a separate Ministry should be formed for their welfare. At present, it is under the Ministry of Agriculture. Now, there are practically no welfare measures for them. So, priority should be given to their welfare.
Another important problem facing our fishermen is deep-sea trawling by the multinational companies by which our poor people are denied of their rights. Therefore, I would request the Government, through you, Sir, to control the deep-sea trawling by the multinational companies.
Recently, the Central Government decided about the import of fish products from Thailand. This has also caused serious problems. Our fishermen, day by day, become unemployed due to this policy.
Finally, I would submit that Keralaâs poor fishermen are not nowadays getting sufficient quantity of diesel and kerosene. I would request the Government, through you, Sir, to provide kerosene at a subsidised price and diesel free of tax through the PDS.
DR. K.S. MANOJ (ALLEPPEY): Sir, I would like to associate with it.