Tamil Nadu Fishermen Face Double Whammy as Fishing Ban Follows Lockdown

The nationwide lockdown to contain the COVID-19 pandemic and the fishing ban for 61 days from April 14 have dealt a double blow to the fishing community in Tamil Nadu. A total of 13 seashore districts and 606 fishing hamlets are awaiting additional relief for the lockdown and towards the extended fishing ban period. The complexity in renewing the membership in the welfare boards for workers above the age of 60 and non issuance of membership cards to registered workers have left out a large number of the community from getting a cash relief of Rs 1,000. 

FISHING BAN FROM APRIL 14

The number of days of fishing ban for mechanised boats along the eastern coast was increased from 45 days to 61 days in 2018. This extended ban however, has added to to the agony of the fishing community during the ongoing lockdown. The government has been providing a relief of Rs 5,000 for fishermen during the 45 day ban, which is yet to be revised for the present 61 days period. The fishermen used to utilise this ban period on carrying out maintenance works of their fishing vessels. With the lockdown severely affecting their income over the past three weeks, they are already left with very little cash to carry out the works. 

The fishermen and the unions are demanding the revision of the aid since the number of days were increased. “The 61 days fishing ban along with the lockdown has put the fishing community in a very critical condition. The governments should consider revising the aid provided to them during the ban to Rs 15,000 since they are already under severe loss,” said S Anthony, general secretary of Tamil Nadu Fishermen Workers’ Union.

RESTRICTIONS CUT REVENUE FOR FISHING COMMUNITY

The numerous restrictions implemented during the lockdown across different districts have left the fishing community with limited options to carry out their work. The impractical restrictions regarding rotation for venturing into the sea, time limits for selling fish, ban on auction of catch and travel issues have hit the workers worst. All sections of the community including those who use mechanised as well as country boats are affected.

Also read: COVID-19: Bearing the Brunt of Lockdown, Small Fishermen Demand Economic Package

“Many of the restrictions are impossible to follow while venturing into the sea. Another restriction of selling all the fish before 7 am in the morning led to a crash in the price. This affected the fishermen badly. The police excesses on the inland fisherman who transport fish from the fishing harbours to their selling points are also very high,” added Anthony.

Thousands of women, who sell fish at doorsteps and roadside markets have been affected severely. The ban on sale of fish beyond a particular time in the fishing harbour left these women stranded. Many of them are not registered with the welfare boards and hence are unable to get the additional relief of Rs 1,000. The inland fishermen, who depend on rivers, ponds, lakes and dams for earning their livelihood are facing the brunt of the lockdown.

MESSY WELFARE BOARDS AFFECT WORKERS

The Tamil Nadu Fishermen Welfare Board has attracted severe criticism over the messy approach on renewal of the memberships and issuing new membership cards for the members. The board is yet to issue a membership card for thousands of workers who registered with the board during the last seven years. This official apathy has left these workers from receiving the minimal relief measures of the government. 

“The issue of renewing membership of workers above 60 years is another issue,” said Anthony. The fishermen welfare board is the only board charging a fee for renewal of membership. The workers get a minimum relief as allowance till they attain 60 years and this amount is deducted towards the renewal fee. The workers above this age are ineligible for the allowance and hence their membership expires owing to travel hassles to the welfare board offices among many other reasons.