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Title : Regarding the decision of the Union Government to grant fishing licences to foreign made hi-tech vessels.
(ALLEPPEY): Sir, the decision of the Union Government to grant fishing licences to foreign vessels is highly detrimental to the
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entire fishing sector of our country. It will endanger the very existence of lakhs of fishermen and their families.
The Government of Kerala, fishermen’s organisations, people’s representatives have all protested against this decision. But the Government seems to be very passive and it seems to be very indifferent. They have ignored all these things and have moved clandestinely as if there is some secret deal; and they decided like this with scant respect for transparency.
The Coordination Committee of various organisations of fishermen has observed hartal in Kerala yesterday to protest against this decision. This is a very serious decision which is adversely affecting more than 75 lakhs of traditional fishermen.
So, I request the Government and I request the hon. Prime Minister to kindly intervene in this matter, and to take immediate steps to see that this anti-people decision is cancelled so that the fisheries sector is saved. … (Interruptions)
MR. SPEAKER: Okay, all of you can associate your names with that issue.
… (Interruptions)