Mangaluru: Fisherwomen working at the State Bank fresh fish market raised concerns over inadequate facilities when Karnataka State Commission for Women chairperson Dr Nagalakshmi Choudhary interacted with them on Thursday. The vendors, many of whom have been doing business at the market for decades, expressed apprehension about being relocated to the newly built central market and highlighted several issues related to infrastructure and working conditions.
Fisherwomen highlight issues at new market
During the interaction, the fisherwomen said the newly constructed central market lacked proper ventilation and lighting, making it unsuitable for their daily trade. They also pointed out that the rent at the new facility was significantly higher compared to their current location.
Many of the vendors said they had been selling fish at the State Bank market for several years and feared that relocating to a different place could affect their livelihood.
The women requested that they be allowed to continue their business at the existing market rather than being shifted to the new facility.
Chairperson assures to raise issue with authorities
Responding to their concerns, Dr Nagalakshmi Choudhary assured the fisherwomen that their grievances would be brought to the attention of the district administration and the state government.
She also invited representatives of the fisherwomen to participate in a meeting scheduled with the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner and district-level officials on Friday to discuss the matter further.
“The government will be informed to provide appropriate arrangements based on the written demands of the fisherwomen,” she said.
Initially, when the chairperson asked the vendors about their issues, many of the women were hesitant to respond. After she spoke individually with some of them and assured support, several fisherwomen came forward to share their concerns about the proposed relocation.
Vendors fear loss of livelihood
Fisherwoman Yashoda, speaking on behalf of several vendors, said the women had been running their businesses at the current market for many years and shifting to another location could severely affect their income.
“We did business here for many years. If we are relocated elsewhere, we will not be able to trade properly. The new market does not have the same ventilation and lighting facilities as this place, and the rent is high,” she said.
Other vendors present at the market supported her concerns, saying that the existing location had been convenient for both sellers and customers.
Dry fish sellers also raise concerns
At the dry fish market area, another fisherwoman, Ravikala, said the vendors had already been instructed to move to the new market.
However, she pointed out that the space allotted for dry fish sellers was limited and located in a corner of the market complex. According to her, this arrangement would make it difficult for vendors to carry out their business effectively.
She added that many women involved in dry fish sales were already facing financial losses and shifting them to a poorly organised space would worsen their situation.
Demand for basic facilities
Apart from concerns about relocation, fisherwomen also highlighted several issues at the current market.
They complained about water leakage during the rainy season, which often disrupts their work and damages their goods. Vendors also raised concerns about theft incidents reported in the market area.
To improve safety and security, they demanded the installation of CCTV cameras and better infrastructure facilities.
Officials present during interaction
Officials from the fisheries department and other authorities were present during the interaction with the fisherwomen.
Deputy Director of the Fisheries Department Dileep Kumar attended the meeting along with other officials and heard the concerns raised by the vendors.
The interaction provided an opportunity for the fisherwomen to directly communicate their problems to the State Commission for Women and seek support in resolving the issues related to their workplace.
Conclusion
The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by fisherwomen who depend on the market for their livelihood. With the proposed relocation to the new central market raising several concerns, the upcoming meeting with district officials is expected to play a key role in determining the future course of action.
Authorities are expected to examine the demands submitted by the fisherwomen and explore possible solutions that ensure both improved infrastructure and protection of their livelihoods.