Former MP and the president of Puducherry Maanila Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam M. Ramadass has welcomed the recent initiatives taken by Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan to improve the livelihood of fishermen in the Union Territory.
In a statement, Mr. Ramadass said the Lt. Governor has instilled “a new and firm hope through his developmental initiatives, including the announcement he made on the project for deep sea fishing near Andaman sea for safe and high catch fishing.
Schemes such as construction of a new harbour at a cost of ₹120 crore in Karaikal, setting up of artificial coral reefs, seaweed farming project and installation of transponders in fishing vessels to ensure fishermen safety under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana were all welcome initiatives, he said.
“A new growth path has been carved out for the fishermen of Puducherry, unlike the immediate past, when fishermen’s growth was considered synonymous with giving three freebies, relief and subsidies. Modernisation and application of low-cost modern technologies can yield bumper harvest of fish which can be processed and sold in the local markets and exported to other countries which will contribute to higher income and ensure better livelihood for the fishermen. Such an approach can also help to create entrepreneurs among the youth of the community,” the release said.
He urged the fishermen of the Union Territory to extend “support and cooperation” to the efforts of the Lt. Governor to improve the fisheries sector in the region. He also praised the Lt. Governor for visiting Senthamizhan, the fisherman from Karaikal who sustained bullet injury during his arrest by Sri Lankan Navy.
Published - April 25, 2025 08:00 pm IST
