Fishermen too feel entitled to loan waiver

Mangalore Today News Network

July 27, 2018: While traditional fishermen are no richer than small farmers, why are their loans not waived, wondered Shobendra Sasihitlu, President of Sasihithlu Meenugarara Sahakara Sangha in Dakshina Kannada district.

“People think all fishermen own large mechanised boats and have become rich these days. However, only 5% belong to that category and 95% of fishermen still dependent on traditional fishing. Their economic condition has worsened this monsoon following vagaries of nature,”  Sasihithlu said.

Traditional fishermen as well as fisherwomen are sitting idle all these days thereby affecting loan recovery of cooperative societies, he said.

Fisheries Department Joint Director M.L. Doddamani said fishermen are entitled to Rs. 3,000 a month during off-season (three months) under thrift compensation scheme.