Biometric Identity Cards to coastal fisherfolk - the pros and cons

Biometric Identity Cards to coastal fisherfolk - the pros and cons

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, July 21, 2014: Biometric Identity Cards to coastal fishermen, a Central Sector Scheme which was started in 2009-10, is facing hurdles in actual implementation in Mangalore city. Out of 9,652 biometric identity cards procured, the Fisheries department has distributed 8,000 to fishermen up to date.

Speaking to media representatives,  District Fisheries department Deputy Director M D Prasad said,that Mangalore has more than 28,000 fishermen, the department is giving prominence to boat crew and seagoing fishermen, in the distribution of the cards. The Coast Guard too had so recommended.

Around 10,000 cards will be distributed in the first phase, he went on to say;  “Fishermen come from other states including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha and people are not permanent and always change. There are many fishermen from Bhatkal, Honnavar and other places too.

The Coast Guard conducts monthly checking, yet it is difficult to keep track of outsiders,” he said. “Though the contract period with the implementing agency Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has ended, they have trained our staff. The printing machine has been established at Malpe. This year we have got 800 cards in addition,” the Deputy Director added.

Fisheries department Assistant Director Parshwanath agreed that the implementation of the scheme is just a primary matter. The biometric ID cards for identification purposes only. If more benefits are linked to the card, it would be more useful to the fishermen. Some fishermen change their boats according to the needs of service. The implementation is in primary stage and the co-operation of the fishermen is very important, he said.

 According to the objectives of the scheme, fisher folk are the target group. Coastal Karnataka Fishermen Action Committee General Secretary Vasudeva Boloor stated the Fisheries department deputy director was of the view that it would be better to extend it to all who work as fishermen. The Samithi will discuss the issue elaborately with the Deputy Director, before taking a stand, he said.

The aims of the scheme are for biometric identity cards to empower and list every Indian costal fisherman. It would establish a National Marine Fishers Database (NMFD) which could be accessed by all the authorised agencies both in the Central and State or Union Territories. The other two important objectives of the scheme are to strengthen coastal security and the threat from sea route and eliminate duplications.

Fishermen leader Mohan Bengre said that the government should provide biometric ID cards to fisherwomen and fish vendors also. The card should help fishermen to avail various government facilities like life insurance and so on he said.

Meanwhile, he stressed that there should be a strict procedure maintained in distributing the cards as there is a possibility of misusing in many ways. A proper protocol needs to be in place.