Women’s Commission chair Dr. Nagalakshmi Choudhary visits State Bank fish market, assures action on fisherwomen’s issues

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 5, 2026: Amid the hardships faced by women vendors at the fish market in the State Bank area, located in the heart of Mangaluru city, Chairperson of the Karnataka State Women’s Commission, Dr. Nagalakshmi Choudhary, visited the market on Thursday afternoon to inspect the situation.

The chairperson visited every corner of the fresh and dry fish market and expressed dissatisfaction after witnessing the poor conditions there. Hundreds of women who have been selling fish for decades and sustaining their families shared their grievances with her.

After observing the situation at the market, Dr. Nagalakshmi Choudhary spoke about the major problems faced by the women vendors.

The fisherwomen said that the lack of proper sanitation in the market causes a strong foul smell, which seriously affects the health of the women who work there throughout the day. They also complained about the absence of proper water facilities to clean the market and the severe shortage of space for carrying out their business. In addition, they pointed out that the lack of security has led to frequent thefts in the market.

Responding to the concerns, Dr. Nagalakshmi Choudhary assured that she would bring these issues to the notice of the District Commissioner (DC) as early as tomorrow. She said she would also discuss the matter with officials of the Fisheries Department and urge them to introduce necessary scientific improvements in the new market. “Protecting the interests of the fisherwomen is our priority,” she said.

Speaking about the proposed relocation to the newly constructed market, she said that the women are willing to move there but allege that the building has not been designed scientifically. According to her, whenever they request facilities, officials simply respond that a new market has already been built for them. However, the women have insisted that they will shift only if the required changes that support their trade are made.

The women also said that business is better at the current market since it is located close to the bus stand. However, with a proposal to expand the bus stand in the same area, a balanced decision must be taken keeping the interests of both sides in mind, she added.