Team Herald
PANJIM: Despite providing nets, iceboxes, motors, financial assistance on VAT based on subsidy, kerosene and diesel to fishermen and trawler owners, Goans are made to suffer silently due to the soaring fish prices and to add to their woes, in the markets, the traditional fisherwomen have been outnumbered by the migrants who have taken advantage of the prevailing situation.
Though both the state as well as the Central Government have provided subsidies, fish prices have always skyrocketed to a new high, making it difficult for Goans to have their regular amount of fish.
As per the latest statistics, the government has almost spent Rs 108 crore in the last five years on providing various subsidies to the fishermen and trawler owners across the state but it has in no way benefited the common man.
Since 2013 till date, the government of Goa has spent Rs 21.17 crore to 5,554 beneficiaries in providing financial assistance to fisherman for purchasing fuel. Similarly, Rs 69.30 crore was spent on providing financial assistance to Goa Value Added Tax, VAT based on subsidy to 3,647 beneficiaries using mechanised boats taking the total amount to Rs 83 crore.
Further, the government has spent Rs 3 crore on the fisherman savings cum relief fund and Rs 2.97 crore for fisherman safety at sea while for replacement of kerosene, the state cabinet has funded almost Rs 9.79 crore.
“Rs 108 crore are being spent on giving subsidy to fishermen and trawler owners on diesel, petrol VAT and other small things but Goans are not getting fish at reasonable rates. We want to review whether this subsidy has benefited the Goans because even after such huge subsidy we don’t find enough fish and good price in retail market, rather fish is exported outside,” said Fisheries Minister Vinod Palyekar.
In a move to benefit the traditional fishermen, the government in the last five years, has provided financial assistance for construction of wooden/FRP canoe by spending almost Rs 1.95 crore on 374 beneficiaries from the state coffers while also providing assistance of interest subsidy on loans for fisheries and allied activities and Rs 81.77 lakh to almost 501 beneficiaries across Goa.
The cheapest fish today is priced at Rs 100 a portion, and there is no limit on the price of good fish which ranges between Rs 300 and Rs 500, going upwards from there. The notion today is that you can eat fish only if you can afford it.
“Isn’t it time that Goans rise against this high cost of fish in the market? When trawler owners have been given a diesel subsidy by the government, doesn’t the government have a duty to check on the skyrocketing prices of fish in the market?” asked Antonio Pires, a resident of Merces.
