Fisheries graduates up in arms against proposed degrees equality

Chennai: Hundreds of fisheries graduates would be deprived of career options if the state government goes ahead with the proposed move to equate them with other basic science graduates. Reliable government sources told Deccan Chronicle that the State Fisheries Department is preparing to bring out a government order (GO) to equate the Master of Fisheries Science (M.FSc) with courses such as M.Sc (Zoology), M.Sc (Coastal Aquaculture) offered by Annamalai University and Ph.D (Special Zoology) from Madras University.  It also plans to equate Bachelor of Fisheries Science (B.FSc) with regular B.Sc degrees. If this happens, it would cast a shadow on the career prospects of fisheries graduates.

As of now, only B.FSc graduates are eligible for the post of inspector of fisheries and M.FSc graduates can directly become an assistant director of Fisheries. Ironically, both M.FSc and B.FSc courses are exclusively offered by Tamil Nadu Fisheries University (TNFU) and two state-run fisheries colleges in Thoothukudi and Ponneri, which were started to cater the manpower needs of fisheries department and the sector. The government spends lot of money to run these specialised institutions. This attempt defies logic, a representative of Students Association of Fisheries College and Research Institute, Thoothukudi, said.

 With a coastline of 1,076 kms, Tamil Nadu thrives on fisheries and is one of the leading states in aquaculture. “The sector needs professionals who understand the challenges of the industry and carry out in-depth research. If you equate fisheries graduates with other degree holders, then you are asking a chemist to prescribe medicine for the patients. This proposed move is the handiwork of a few individuals. We request Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa to intervene,” he said.

The students have already made representation to the fisheries minister, secretary, commissioner of fisheries, vice-chancellor of TNFU and others concerned airing their apprehensions. For the development of fisheries and for furthering the advancement of learning and research in fisheries science, CM Jayalalithaa established a separate university for fisheries in 2012 at Nagapattinam. Now, she has to save the institution from losing its relevance, the letter reads, a copy of which is available with the DC.

Prof  Baskaran Marimaran, vice-chancellor of TNFU, acknowledged that the student body has written to him expressing their fears. But, he says there was no official word on it. “It’s just a rumor. If there is any such attempt being made, the department will certainly seek our remarks. As of now, there is nothing to worry about”.

Dr G. Sugumar, dean of the Fisheries college and research institute, Thoothukudi, also echoed the VC’s views. “Yes, there was little unrest among the students. I don’t think the government will take such a step. We have enough manpower to meet the requirement of the department and the sector. There is no need to look beyond the discipline”.

However, this is not the first time such a move is being mooted. In 2007 and 2011, orders were passed, but didn’t take effect as there was a huge outcry. Now in addition to two fisheries colleges there is a dedicated university, so there is no reason for the government to take such adverse step.