Five pc commission for govt: Auction related ordinance raises concern among fisherfolk

Chavakkad: An ordinance issued in September 2020 is back in limelight as it has been approved by Subject Committee in Kerala Assembly on Friday. The ordinance which directs to pay five percent commission from fish auctions happening at harbours and fish landing centres should be given to government, is about to become an act, raising concern among fisherfolk.

The ordinance issued during the final lap of previous LDF government had triggered protest then itself. According to the owners of fishing vessels, the proposed mandate will make the owner or the entities associated with the vessel liable to pay the commission. The amount will be consumed up from the earnings received by fisherfolk.

According to the bill, the commission will be divided among auctioneer, Fishermen Development Welfare Co-operative Society, local body, fish landing centre/harbour/fish market management society and government. The ratio can be decided by the government by issuing an official notification. MP TN Prathapan has urged that five percent commission should be reduced to one percent commission.

Meanwhile, fisheries department maintained that the act will prevent exploitation in fishing sector. “The act is for protecting commoner fisherfolk from exploitation. With this law, there will be proper framework for fish auction and sale. It will be implemented in such a way that among the five percentage received by the government, two percentage will be returned to fisherfolk itself,” said Deputy Director of Fisheries (Marine) M Thajudheen.

Contrastingly, according to Mathiyas Peter, president of All Kerala Fishing Boat Operators Association, it would be better if the law is applicable only for those who have taken loan from Matsyafed or Fishermen Development Welfare Co-operative Society. It is not legitimate for the government to take commission from those who do not get any allowance from government.