By IANS,
Chennai: The ruling DMK and the major opposition party AIADMK are opposed to the Marine Fisheries (Regulation and Management) Bill, 2009, as they find the provisions against the interests of Indian fishermen.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, pointing out that the state government’s earlier views were not considered in the draft bill, has called the central government to have a wider dialogue with the stakeholders.
On the other hand, AIADMK general secretary J. Jayalalithaa Monday, terming the bill as anti-Indian fishermen, has declared that her party would oppose it as and when it is introduced in parliament.
In his letter to union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar dated Nov 19 released to the media here Monday, Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has said: “Though the state government has already communicated its remarks on the draft bill, it appears the same have not been incorporated in the draft bill.”
Stating that the bill was drafted without taking into accont the views of stakeholders, Karunanidhi in his letter said: “The fishermen are of the view that conditions stipulated in the bill for fishing beyond 12 NM (nautical miles) are too severe and impracticable.”
On the bill provision for licensing of fishing vessels to fish beyond 12 NM, Karunanidhi’s letter has said it would result in duplication of licensing system and confusion. He requested Pawar to consider vessels registered under the Merchant Shipping Act and Mercantile Marine Department to be governed under this provision.
On the penal provisions in the draft bill, the letter notes that the fine of Rs.900,000 is going against various fishing schemes implemented by the state and central government.
Citing the harassment of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy, affecting the fishing activity in the Palk Strait, Karunanidhi in his letter has said: “….As the marine fish is already exhausted in territorial waters, the introduction of this bill without consulting the fishermen community and other stakeholders will have wider implications.”
Meanwhile, Jayalalithaa has said, the bill is in favour of overseas fishing vessels and “contains several provisions to arrest, punish and fine fishermen” if they violate certain terms.
“This (central) government enacts law only to threaten its citizens,” Jayalalithaa said.
“The bill also enables officials to determine the kind of fishing nets to be used as well as the variety and quantity of fishes that could be caught, while there are no such restrictive conditions for overseas fishing vessels,” she added.
The government has proposed the bill mainly to serve the interests of multi-national companies, the AIADMK leader claimed .