Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, May 12: The families of seven fishermen who perished along with their fishing boat, 'Suvarna Tribhuja' off Malvan coast, have refused to accept the compensation of Rs 10 lac each released by the state government. The state government had released Rs 10 lac to them by releasing Rs 6 lac from Karnataka State Fishermen's Calamity Relief Fund and Rs 4 lac from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund on May 9. This was announced by minister Dr Jayamala, here on Friday.

One of the reasons for not accepting the compensation is said to be the notion that the families would be required to execute an indemnity bond. The said compensation is paid only in cases of death. None of the departments have so far announced that the said fishermen have died. They have been treating them as missing. The fishermen families from Malpe and Bhatkal feel that if they accept the compensation, it would tantamount to accepting the fact that the fishermen are no more.

The other reason is that the amount will have to be returned to the government if the fishermen return alive. Normally, indemnity bonds are obtained in cases where death certificates cannot be issued on account of legal hurdles. The families are not ready to sign this bond also because of this condition, it is learnt.

The stand taken by the families has irked the fisheries department officials who have already faced lot of problems because of political one-upmanship indulged in by leaders during election, and also pressures brought on them from different quarters.