Users of the Cochin Fishing Harbour have precisely 28 days more to enjoy free access. For the bio-metric access system being installed at the harbour by the Cochin Port Trust will start functioning from September 1.
The proposed system has drawn a mixed response from the labourers who depend on the harbour for livelihood. While a major section of labourers welcomed the move, a few are worried that the decision would affect business at the harbour.
Though the All-Kerala Fishing Boat Operators Association (AKFBOA) and the Kerala Purseine Matsya Thozhilali Union (KPMTU) are in favour of the bio-metric system, the Cochin Port Labourers Union (CITU) has raised its voice against it. The CPLU leaders are of the opinion that such formalities would adversely affect business. CPLU (CITU) secretary B Hamsa said the move could lead to boat operators gradually avoiding Cochin harbour.
“If strict norms are implemented for berthing, fishermen may prefer other harbours where there are no or fewer formalities for berthing,” he said. He also alleged that the CPT was not taking any action against unauthorised private harbours along the Vypeen Island.
However, Hamsa stressed that his union was not against introducing strict security measures.
“We understand the need for introducing a proper system for monitoring access to the harbour,” he said.
Leaders of the AKFBOA and the KPMTU say it is high time the identity of those accessing the harbour is verified. “With the high influx of migrant labourers, a lot of people are working at the harbour and their identity has to be verified. Similary, Sri Lankan Tamils are reportedly working in fishing boats in Tamil Nadu. Their boats often come to Kochi with catch. There is no system to verify the identity of crew or fishermen from other states,” said PMTU president Lal Koyiparambil.
Boat Operators Association general secretary Joseph Xavier Kalappurakkal pointed out that since the bio-metric card is issued by the authorities, it can also be used to identify fishermen. “We have been demanding distribution of identity cards for fishermen for quite some time,” he said.
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