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BJP’s Manifesto Focuses on Fishermen Welfare Amidst Katchatheevu Island Row

Kalyani Jha
14 Apr, 2024

As the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 approach, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has made significant promises for the welfare of fishermen families, especially in light of the recent controversy surrounding the Katchatheevu Island. The BJP’s manifesto, titled Sankalp Patra, outlines several initiatives aimed at advancing the prosperity and well-being of fishermen communities across India.

Here’s a breakdown of what the BJP pledges to fishermen families in its manifesto:

1. Extending PM Matsya Sampada Yojana: The BJP vows to extend the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana to boost fish production and increase annual seafood exports.

2. Insurance for Fisheries: Strengthening and expanding insurance coverage under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana to ensure quicker grievance resolution and faster payouts.

3. Developing Production and Processing Clusters: Special attention will be given to women in coastal communities by developing production and processing clusters.

4. Seaweed and Pearl Farming: The BJP plans to boost seaweed cultivation and promote pearl farming, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for fishermen.

5. Establishing Nucleus Breeding Centres and Brood Banks: Setting up a network of Nucleus Breeding Centres and Brood Banks to enhance production and productivity in the fisheries sector.

6. Using Satellite Imagery and Technology: Launching a special programme utilizing satellite imagery for integrated services to ensure the safety and security of fishermen. Drones will also be used for management and monitoring of fisheries and aquaculture industries.

The Katchatheevu row, a longstanding territorial and fishing rights dispute, has gained prominence once again. Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai’s RTI query regarding the 1974 agreement between India and Sri Lanka has reignited discussions about the island’s status.

Situated in the Palk Strait between Rameswaram in India and Sri Lanka, Katchatheevu Island has been a point of contention between the two nations. The BJP has linked this issue to the safety of Tamil fishermen, who often face challenges and punitive actions from Sri Lankan authorities.

With over 6,000 Indian fishermen detained and more than a thousand fishing vessels seized by Sri Lanka in the last two decades, the BJP’s manifesto commitments to fishermen’s welfare gain particular significance.

As the election narrative unfolds, the BJP’s promises to address these longstanding challenges in the fishing community are likely to draw attention and scrutiny from various quarters.