Mandya: Chief Minister Siddharamaiah said here on Sunday that his Government is working on a comprehensive fisheries policy, on the  lines of the one in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, to ensure the development of the fishermen community.

He was addressing the State-level convention of Gangamatastha (inland fishermen) at the Government College grounds, of Bengaluru-Mysuru highway here.

Observing that people belonging to deprived and backward communities must gear up to face competition as reservation has become less important in the era of Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation (LPG), the CM said that modernisation has led to stiff competition in all fields.

Claiming that he had sent proposals to the Centre seeking inclusion of sub-castes of fishermen under the ST category, Siddharamaiah said that, however, they were rejected.

Another proposal would be sent to the centre after obtaining a report from Kannada University, Hampi shortly,  he added.

Continuing, he said that the Government is committed to form a Board and implement schemes to ensure upliftment of fishermen.

Pointing out that a sum of Rs. 32 crore has been released for the development of the Gadduge (Samadhi) of Ambigara Chowdaiah, the CM said that Rs. 5 crore will be allotted for Ambigara Chowdaiah Development Authority.

The CM further said that it has been decided to allot sites in Bengaluru for around 40 backward communities, including Gangamatastha community for construction of educational institutions and hostels.

Fisheries Minister Pramod Madhwaraj, Housing Minister M. Krishnappa, who is Mandya District in-change Minister, MP C.S.  Puttaraju, Ambigara Chowdaiah Mahasabha President Shankar, office-bearers Jaya Kotiyan and Ambika Jalagar, Gangamatastha Sangha District President Nanjundappa, some MLAs, ZP and TP members and others were present.