Tripura Fishermen’s Welfare Demands: Raj Bhavan March Highlights Key Issues

Agartala, [July 24, 2025] – In a significant move highlighting the pressing needs of the state’s aquatic community, the Tripura Rajya Matsyajibi Union, a prominent left-affiliated fishermen’s body, recently organized a determined Raj Bhavan march. The protest aimed to submit a comprehensive charter of demands to the state government, emphasizing the urgent need for robust policies and initiatives to bolster fishermen’s welfare and uplift the lives of ordinary citizens across Tripura.

The union’s fervent appeal underscores several critical areas requiring immediate governmental intervention, focusing on sustainable development and social security for the often-overlooked fishing community. Their demands, articulated clearly and concisely, are designed to create a more equitable and prosperous environment for those dependent on the state’s water resources.

Key Demands for Fishermen’s Welfare:

The charter of demands presented by the Tripura Rajya Matsyajibi Union includes, but is not limited to, the following crucial points aimed at enhancing fishermen’s welfare:

• Leasing of Water Bodies: The union advocates for the direct leasing of government water bodies to fishery cooperative societies, bypassing the tender system. This measure is intended to empower local cooperatives and ensure that the benefits directly reach the fishermen’s welfare initiatives.
• Financial Subsidies: A critical demand is the provision of adequate financial subsidies for fish production. Such support is deemed essential to boost productivity, reduce operational costs, and make the fishing occupation more viable for local communities.
• Minimum Salary for Managers: To ensure professional management and fair compensation within the cooperative structure, the union has demanded a minimum monthly salary of Rs 18,000 for managers of fishery cooperative societies.
• Housing for Homeless Fishermen: Recognizing the vulnerable living conditions of many, the union has called for the construction of durable, ‘pucca’ houses for homeless fishermen, ensuring basic dignity and shelter.
• Increased Social Welfare Pensions: An increase in social welfare pensions is another vital demand, aiming to provide a stronger safety net for elderly and vulnerable members of the fishing community.
• Free Rice Distribution: To address food security concerns, the union has proposed the free monthly distribution of rice for impoverished families, ensuring basic sustenance.

Broader Societal Issues and Fishermen’s Welfare:

Beyond direct measures for the fishing community, the protest also highlighted broader socio-economic issues that indirectly impact fishermen’s welfare and the lives of common people:

• Curbing Privatization of Education: The union voiced its opposition to the privatization of education, stressing the importance of accessible and affordable public education for all.
• Commodity Price Control: There was a strong call for the government to take effective measures to control the rising prices of essential commodities, alleviating the financial burden on low-income families.
• Filling Vacant Government Posts: The demand for filling all vacant government posts aims to address unemployment and create more opportunities for the state’s youth.
• Permanent Employment for Retrenched Teachers: The union also championed the cause of retrenched teachers, demanding permanent employment for them.
• Flood Relief and MGNREGA: Compensation for families affected by recent floods and an increase in workdays and wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Tripura Urban Employment Program (TUEP) schemes were also key points of contention, aiming to provide relief and employment opportunities.

The Raj Bhavan march by the Tripura Rajya Matsyajibi Union serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the state’s fishing community and the broader population. Their detailed charter of demands outlines a clear path for governmental action, emphasizing the need for comprehensive policies that genuinely enhance fishermen’s welfare and contribute to the overall well-being of Tripura’s citizens. The union awaits a positive response from the state government, hoping their collective voice will lead to tangible improvements and a brighter future for all.