[Reader-list] Electronic I-cards for fishermen soon

[T Peter]

*Electronic I-cards for fishermen soon *

*Date:10/01/2009* *URL:
http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/10/stories/2009011051710500.htm*


**
Ignatius Pereira

   *Project to be implemented in coordination with Home Department *

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It is to be funded by the Centre

Fishermen's union welcomes move
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 KOLLAM: The State government will soon issue electronic identity cards
(e-cards) to seafaring fishermen in the State.

Fisheries director P.I. Sheik Pareeth told *The Hindu* here on Friday that
e-cards were being issued in the larger interests of national security.

The cards will also provide a sense of security to fishermen in the high
seas when they prove their identity to coastal and sea protection agencies.

It would help prevent unnecessary harassment of fishermen at sea, Mr.
Pareeth said.
Cards to cost Rs.40

 He said about 1.25 lakh e-cards would be issued to fishermen under the
project, to be implemented in coordination with the Home Department.

The card will contain details about its holder and will cost Rs.40 each. The
project is being funded by the Government of India, he said.

Mr. Pareeth said Kerala would become the first coastal State in the country
to issue e-cards to fishermen. It will be made mandatory for seafaring
fishermen to carry the cards.

The cards will complement the proposed high security registration number
plates for all fishing vessels registered in the State.

He said it would be made mandatory for fishermen from other States entering
the Kerala waters to take permits to be issued by the Fisheries Department
for a specified period.

Those seeking such permits should have a local sponsor from the fishing
community, preferably with an E-card identity.

The Kerala Swatanthra Matsya Thozhilali Federation has welcomed the move to
introduce e-cards. T. Peter, State president of the Federation, said the
fishermen's community had, in fact, been asking for such an identity for
long.

This was also raised as a request at a recent meeting called by Home
Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, with representatives of the fishing
community on cooperation pertaining to coastal security, he said.

In the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, the high seas have been brought
under strict vigil and combing operations by security agencies. In such a
situation, the e-cards would be of immense help to fishermen to establish
their bona fides, Mr. Peter said adding that it was good move that would
help bring about better cooperation between the security agencies and
fishermen towards ensuring coastal security.