Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman assures CM Pinarayi Vijayan all help from Centre

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Defence minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said the central assistance would be decided after getting a formal memorandum from the state government. Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues met the union minister at Technical Area of the airport here and sought Centre’s help. The minister said she would take up the matter with the Union Cabinet, including with Union agriculture minister who holds the portfolio of fisheries. “We will do whatever is required. I have requested the Chief Minister to send their recommendations through proper channel. I will also apprise the Union ministers about what I have witnessed here and what I have heard from fishermen,” she added.

Ms Sitharaman said during her visit to coastal areas fishermen came up with many demands. The minister said that some of them had pointed out loss of boats, fishing nets and equipment. “Many of them have lost their means of livelihood. Obviously they are faced with a dark future and uncertainties in life,” the minister said and added all these issues would be solved in consultation with the state government.

The Union minister said suggestions like having an independent fisheries ministry and foolproof communication and forecast system were significant and would be considered in due course. Senior officials including chief secretary, church leaders, collector, and officials of the fisheries department were present during the meeting.