Fishworkers forum threatens strike over diesel subsidy issue

The National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) has opposed the Gujarat governments recent decision to cancel diesel subsidies for over 20,000 fishing boats in the state...

The National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) has opposed the Gujarat governments recent decision to cancel diesel subsidies for over 20,000 fishing boats in the state,which have engines of more than 74 horsepower.

The state Fisheries Department has in a recent resolution,cancelled this subsidy.

According to NFF Gujarat secretary Manish Lodhari,the decision will affect more than 20,000 boat owners in the state. We are planning to observe a state-wide strike to protest against this decision, Lodhari said.

Story continues below this ad

Deputy Director,Fisheries,Riddish Pathak said: Diesel subsidies for more than 2,000 boats which have engine of less than 74 horsepower will not be affected by this resolution. It aims to help the economically weaker sections of the fishermen fraternity in Gujarat.

Boats with engines of over 74 horsepower had been given 24,000 litres of subsidised diesel. Owners of these bigger boats are affluent fishermen and can afford unsubsidised diesel, Pathak added.

Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram