No opportunity to debate ‘drought’: War of words between MLCs
Winter Session
Belagavi, Dec 11: Due to drought situation in majority of the districts in the state, people have been migrating to other places in search of jobs. But when Legislative Council Pro-tem Chairman Basavaraj Horatti rejected the adjournment motion presented by the Opposition BJP seeking time to discuss the issue, there was a war of words between the ruling and opposition party members in the Upper House on Tuesday.
As soon as the Session started on Tuesday morning, Horatti wanted to start question hour. But Kota Srinivas Poojary asked time to discuss the drought issue under Section 68 saying that they have to draw the attention of the government as more than 100 taluks were facing drought situation due to which people and livestock were facing drinking water problem and people have been migrating to other places in search of jobs. Objecting to this, Horatti said that the House should be conducted as per the norms. He would take up the question hour first and later, you will be permitted to discuss the drought issue. So, he would reject the proposal, he said.
Declining to accept it, Kota Srinivas Poojary said that there were instances where the chances were given to discuss such issues before the question hour. Previous Chairman had also given time to discuss the issue. Why you are rejecting the adjournment motion, he asked.
When the BJP members appealed the Chairman to reconsider his decision, JDS members objected it. Once the order is passed from the Chair, it is not good to stall the House proceedings. So, please take up the question hour, they appealed.
“I will give you the time after the question hour. It is not fair to question the decision of the Chair. First learn to respect the Chair”, Horatti said.
Irked by Horatti’s direction, Poojary said that they have not disrespected the Chair. There were instances where such decisions were reconsidered. So, do not curtail the rights of the Opposition leaders. If you stick to your words, they will become helpless, he expressed his helplessness.
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Lakshadweep hosts first-ever investors' meet to unlock fisheries, aquaculture potential
Kavaratti (PTI): The Centre, in collaboration with the Lakshadweep administration, has organised a first-of-its-kind investors' meet in the union territory to boost the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
The meet on "Investment Opportunities in Fisheries and Aquaculture Sector of Lakshadweep Islands" was organised at Bangaram Island on Saturday.
The Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD), Government of India joined hands with the Lakshadweep administration to organise the event, according to an official statement.
"This was a first-of-its-kind investors' meet in the Island, wherein various Investors from across the country participated. So far, investments to the tune of approximately Rs 519 crore have been envisaged," the statement said.
The event was attended by union ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh, S P Singh Baghel and George Kurian, along with Praful Patel, the Administrator of Lakshadweep.
An interactive session was held as part of the meet to provide investors with a platform to share experiences and highlight challenges.
They outlined several issues, including transportation of the production to the mainland, cold storage requirements, ice plants, and development of chilled fish handling centres for post-harvest management.
The Investors called for value-added facilities for sashimi-grade tuna, fish oil refining capacities, the requirement of skilled labour, and ornamental fish brood banks for the strategic utilisation of Lakshadweep's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEC) to drive sustainable growth.
In his keynote address, Ranjan Singh said that the Centre issued fishing rules for the EEZ and hence, the fishermen operating there can now legally fish with an authorised "access pass," enabling them to export high-value tuna and other fish products to international markets.
As per international law, fishery resources present in India's EEZ will now be recognised as "Indian origin," which would further facilitate the export of fish products, he added.
The minister further said that the Centre issued the 'High Seas Fishing Guidelines' granting fishing vessels flying the Indian flag the legal right to operate in these waters, it said. He also urged investors to come forward and seize the vast investment opportunities in the sector.
Baghel, in his address, highlighted Lakshadweep's untapped fisheries potential and called for the need to bridge the gap between the archipelago's current production of 14,000 tonnes and its potential of 1 lakh tonnes.
He emphasised that the islands are naturally suited for premium-quality tuna fishing using pole-and-line and handline methods are globally recognised for their clean and sustainable practices. With proper branding, certification, and modern value-chain development, Lakshadweep tuna can access high-end international markets.
He urged exporters to explore newer markets and leverage existing government welfare schemes to strengthen the fisheries value chain.
Minister Kurian focused on emerging investment domains such as seaweed farming and ornamental fisheries, which offer high returns and diversification opportunities.
He emphasised that India must harness its vast EEZ to boost production, strengthen deep-sea fishing, and create value-added seafood products, driving the blue economy forward.
Administrator Patel affirmed the collective commitment to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of leading the blue revolution and urged stakeholders to share sector-wise and policy-related suggestions to help frame Lakshadweep's first fishing policy.
Highlighting upcoming initiatives such as the Minicoy airport development and cooperative society strengthening, Patel assured full support to the investors, with plans for a follow-up meeting in Delhi to accelerate progress.
The investors' meet brought together 22 key investors from various parts of the country. Over 200 participants joined in hybrid mode, the statement said.
The event was attended by senior officials from the Department of Fisheries of the Centre and the UT along with local fishermen societies, the statement added.
