Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Jul 31: Yashpal Suvarna, leader of fishermen has said that the loan waiver of fishermen, within hours of assuming power, by chief minister Yediyurappa shows his concern for the fishermen community.

“Though people from the coastal region have become the ministers in the previous state government, their contribution to the fishermen community of the coast is a big zero. They did not even try to solve the fundamental issues faced by the fishermen. However, the honourable chief minister has fulfilled his promise, which he had given during the assembly election campaign. On behalf of all the fishermen of the coast, we congratulate him,” said Yashpal Suvarna.

Yashpal further said, “Most of the coastal fishermen have taken loans in the local cooperative associations. More than 70 cooperative unions are working for the development of fishermen. Right now, the CM has waived the loans of fishermen that is made in the nationalized banks only. We request the honourable chief minister to extend this facility to the cooperative sector loans too.”

“As the port and fisheries are inter-related, both the portfolios have to be given to one person. Then the activities pertaining to fisheries will take pace. Now many of the projects are not progressing because of lack of coordination between the two departments. Honourable chief minister should look into this error,” said Yashpal Suvarna.

Yashpal Survana concluded by saying, “Though the fishermen have given several appeals over the years, none of them are implemented so far. When we saw the concern honourable CM Yediyurappa has shown on the fishermen, we feel that during his tenure at least, our demands will be met. A delegation of fishermen will meet the CM soon and discuss about the comprehensive fishing policy.”