The Tripura Rajya Matsyajibi Union led a Raj Bhavan march demanding key reforms for fishermen’s welfare, including subsidies, housing, pensions, and anti-privatisation measures. Former CM Manik Sarkar and Opposition Leader Jitendra Chaudhury supported the cause for livelihood security, rural employment, and social justice in Tripura.
The Tripura Rajya Matsyajibi Union, a prominent Left-affiliated organization representing the interests of fishermen in the state, organized a significant Raj Bhavan march to press for long-pending demands concerning the welfare of the fishing community and broader sections of underprivileged citizens.
The march, held with the active participation of former Chief Minister Manik Sarkar and current Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury, drew attention to a comprehensive charter of demands submitted to the state government. The document outlines urgent policy measures aimed at strengthening the livelihoods of fishermen and addressing broader socio-economic issues affecting marginalised communities.
At the heart of the demands is the call for the leasing out of government and semi-government water bodies to fishery cooperative societies without tenders and on relaxed terms. The Union argued that such a move would not only promote self-reliance among local fishermen but also improve productivity and ensure the fair distribution of aquatic resources. The charter also seeks financial subsidies to boost fish production and create a more sustainable fish economy in the state.
The Union has also demanded a minimum monthly salary of Rs 18,000 for cooperative society managers, citing the essential administrative and logistical roles they play in sustaining local fish economies. Regular elections and audits for these societies were also stressed as a way to ensure transparency and democratic functioning.
One of the most vocal concerns raised by the Union was its strong opposition to the privatisation of Dumbur Lake, a vital water body in the state. They argue that privatisation would strip local communities of their access and rights to vital natural resources, exacerbating inequality and ecological damage.
On the issue of housing and sanitation, the Union has called for the construction of pucca houses and toilets for homeless fishermen families, with a significantly enhanced grant of Rs 5 lakh per household. This, they said, is vital for ensuring a dignified standard of living for those at the margins.
To support fish vendors—especially those who go door to door selling fish—the Union is demanding modern equipment and access to unconditional loans, highlighting the need for digital and mechanical upgrades to cope with contemporary market challenges.
The Union has further called for fair wages for workers in the fish industry and proposed that wholesale fish markets and dry fish shops be closed one day a week to protect workers’ rights and rest periods. In addition, the creation of modern, permanent fish markets in every subdivision for the sale of fry and fish was emphasized.
Beyond the fishing industry, the charter includes a wide array of social welfare demands. These include:
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Increasing social pensions, including the fishermen’s pension, to Rs 5,000 per month.
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Reinstating pension benefits for those recently excluded.
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Monthly distribution of 10 kg of rice per head to economically vulnerable families.
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Raising student stipends and increasing the income ceiling for eligibility.
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Halting the privatisation of education.
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Control of soaring prices of essential commodities and provision of 14 essential items through fair-price shops.
Addressing the state’s employment concerns, the Union demanded the filling of all vacant posts in government and semi-government institutions, ending outsourcing in recruitment, and upholding reservation norms in hiring and promotions.
The long-standing demand for permanent employment for the 10,323 retrenched teachers was reiterated, underscoring the larger theme of job security and justice.
In light of recent floods, the Union sought immediate compensation and support for all affected families, including employment opportunities and financial aid for those who lost family members. For fish producers, the Union called for compensation of Rs 20,000 per kani of land lost to floodwaters.
The Union concluded its demands with a call for 200 days of guaranteed employment annually under MGNREGA and TUEP, with a minimum daily wage of Rs 600, aligning with demands for wage parity and rural employment security.
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The Union urged the state authorities to take swift action on these issues, emphasizing the need to uphold the rights and dignity of the fishing community and the larger working class. The protest marks a growing wave of organized resistance against economic marginalization and a call for inclusive development.
