Mangaluru Fisherwomen Voice Concerns Over New Market Facilities to Women's Commission
Fisherwomen operating at the State Bank fresh fish market in Mangaluru raised significant concerns about inadequate facilities during an interaction with Karnataka State Commission for Women chairperson Dr. Nagalakshmi Choudhary on Thursday. The women highlighted issues with the newly constructed central market, including poor ventilation, insufficient lighting, and high rental costs.
Decades of Tradition at Stake
Having conducted their trade at the State Bank market for decades, the fisherwomen expressed strong reluctance to relocate. They formally requested permission to continue their business operations at the current location, citing both practical and economic challenges associated with the proposed move.
"We have been doing business here for many years," said fisherwoman Yashoda, echoing the sentiments of many present. "If we are relocated elsewhere, we won't be able to trade effectively. The new market doesn't offer the same ventilation and lighting conditions as here, and the rent is substantially higher."
Commission Chairperson's Response and Action Plan
Dr. Nagalakshmi Choudhary responded to these concerns by committing to escalate the matter to both district administration and state government authorities. She invited representatives from the fisherwomen community to participate in a scheduled meeting with Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner and other district-level officials on Friday.
"The government will be informed to provide appropriate arrangements based on the written demands of the fisherwomen," Dr. Choudhary assured the gathering. She noted that initially, when asked about their problems, the women remained hesitant to speak up. However, after engaging with several individuals, she encouraged them to voice their concerns with the promise of advocating for necessary improvements.
Additional Concerns from Dry Fish Market Sellers
At the adjacent dry fish market, fisherwoman Ravikala revealed that sellers had already received instructions to shift to the new facility. However, space allocation for dry fish vendors was limited to a corner area, creating additional challenges.
"Women who are already facing financial losses will find it extremely difficult to work in such a disorganized and confined space," Ravikala explained, highlighting the practical difficulties of the proposed arrangement.
Infrastructure and Security Issues
The fisherwomen also raised several infrastructure and security concerns that have been affecting their daily operations:
- Water leakage problems during the rainy season that damage merchandise
- Multiple theft incidents requiring enhanced security measures
- Formal requests for installation of CCTV cameras to improve safety
The meeting was attended by deputy director of the fisheries department Dileep Kumar and other officials, indicating institutional recognition of the issues raised by the fishing community.
This interaction represents a significant step in addressing the working conditions of women in Mangaluru's fishing industry, with potential implications for market infrastructure development and women's economic empowerment in coastal Karnataka.
