Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jul 17: Yashpal Suvarna, president, Fishing Marketing Federation, addressing media at Udupi press club here on Monday, July 16 said, “The BJP protested against the state government at Bengaluru for neglecting the three costal districts in the budget. The CM H D Kumaraswamy has responded positively. He has promised that he will hold negotiations with coastal fishermen community within 15 days. We will welcome his decision.
“He must take action to solve the long term problems of fishermen community and understanding the issues. We are ready to provide a platform to have an open debate.
“This meeting will include people's representatives, government officials, leaders of fishermen association, social thinkers, environmentalists, and journalists of three districts Udupi, Mangaluru and Uttara Kannada.
“We are ready to welcome the CM keeping the interests of public in mind and by keeping aside political indifferences. We are eager to discuss problems of fishermen, agricultural promotion activities, developing eco-friendly businesses, reopening of sugar factory Brahmavar, development of Hejamadi harbour, Nethravati river project, Varahi project, rehabilitation for endosulfan victims and basic infrastructure for new taluk offices.
“The CM’s tour to coastal district will help solving regional indifferences. He must address the needs of coastal people. We have the faith in him. If he will not fulfill our demands, the opposition party will continue to fight against the state government.
“Paddy, areca nut, coconut, rubber growers, endosulfan victims, fighters of Nethravati river project,and leaders of taluk farming committees, will join their hands in a huge protest.
“Fishermen's life is also like framers. The government must extend its facilities to fisherwomen and must find permanent solution for their problems,” he said.
Matsashraya scheme should be continued as earlier, Yashpal demanded.
Ajith Shetty Kirady said, “The amount of free interest loan must be increased from Rs 1.5 lac to Rs 2 lac. The coastal district is becoming as old age homes, because youngsters are moving towards urban areas in search of jobs. Therefore, IT companies must be established here for generating employment. There is a longtime demand of RTO office at Kundapur and there are ample opportunities to developing tourism.”
Manjunath Salian was present at the press meet.