The district unit of the Kerala State Cooperative Federation for Fisheries Development (Matsyafed) has urged the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) authorities to include various fisheries-related works under the MGNREGS as part of creating more employment opportunities for unskilled women from the fishers’ community.
The request was placed at a recent- district level review meeting of MGNREGS officials to check the scope of redefining the existing rules and make use of the services of women for various works at the fishing harbours and fish landing centres in the district.
Matsyafed officials observed that even the basic cleaning jobs at the harbours and fish landing centres would fetch a good income once the works were included in the MGNREGS.
Better hygiene
Above all, such a move would definitely ensure a clean and hygienic environment in the harbours, they pointed out.
T.V. Ramesan, manager of Matsyafed, said similar suggestions have come from various other government departments as well.
“We will submit a detailed proposal if we are getting a favourable response on the request we have already made,” Mr. Ramesan pointed out.
Appointment of women
Matsyafed authorities have also suggested appointment of women under the MGNREGS f
or various jobs at its upcoming fisheries base station at Vellayil.
