Synopsis
Kanyakumari MP Vijay Vasanth raises concerns over the fishing community's crisis in Tamil Nadu and funding cuts to NIRDPR. He highlights the adverse effects of decreased funding on livelihoods and criticizes the ineffective implementation of key welfare schemes.Key Takeaways
- Kanyakumari MP Vijay Vasanth moves for discussion on fishing community issues.
- Funding cuts to NIRDPR threaten livelihoods of thousands.
- PMMSY implementation in Tamil Nadu is inadequate.
- Fishing infrastructure in Tamil Nadu is severely underdeveloped.
- Climate resilience initiatives need better execution to protect fishermen.
New Delhi, Feb 6 (NationPress) Kanyakumari Lok Sabha MP Vijay Vasanth on Thursday presented an adjournment motion in the House, calling for a dialogue regarding the predicament faced by the fishing community in Tamil Nadu and the funding reductions to the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR).
Addressing the concerns, he noted that fishing communities in coastal districts such as Kanyakumari, Rameswaram, and Nagapattinam have been significantly impacted by the funding cuts to NIRDPR and the resultant lack of support.
In the motion, Vasanth remarked, "The recent cuts in funding to NIRDPR have negatively influenced various welfare initiatives for rural populations, including those in the fishing sector. This reduction in funding has directly affected the livelihoods of thousands of fishing families reliant on such programs for their advancement."
He also criticized the rollout of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in Tamil Nadu, claiming it has "failed" to offer "adequate support" to the fishing community.
"The scheme's execution in the state has been ineffective, leaving the community devoid of sufficient financial resources, technology, and infrastructure development," he elaborated.
The MP stressed that fishing harbors and fish landing stations in Tamil Nadu remain "grossly underdeveloped," which has hindered operational efficiency and safety in the industry, leading to financial losses for local fishermen.
Moreover, he raised alarms regarding the Climate Resilient Coastal Fishermen Village (CRCFV) initiative, which is intended to shield coastal communities from climate change; however, he stated it "has not been effectively executed" in Tamil Nadu, leaving fishermen exposed to natural disasters and climate fluctuations.
With India's extensive 7,516.6 km coastline supporting over 28 million individuals engaged in fisheries and aquaculture, he underscored the pressing necessity for adequate support and infrastructure development for coastal fishing communities, especially in Tamil Nadu.
