Team Goemkarponn
VASCO: Boat owners in Goa have urged the state government to restore the fuel subsidy scheme, citing rising operational costs and an acute shortage of labour that is putting pressure on the traditional fishing sector.
Speaking on Monday, Goa Fishing Boat Owners Association president and former minister Jose Philip D’Souza said that despite a satisfactory fishing season with decent catches, escalating expenses—particularly fuel costs—are affecting the viability of fishing operations.
He said fuel expenses constitute a major share of operational costs, making it increasingly difficult for boat owners to sustain their livelihood despite good catches during the recent season.
D’Souza pointed out that neighbouring states such as Maharashtra and Karnataka continue to provide fuel subsidies to fishermen, while Goa has discontinued the scheme, placing local operators at a disadvantage.
He also claimed that pending subsidy dues from previous years, including VAT reimbursement on diesel used by fishing vessels, are yet to be cleared. He urged the government to release arrears and restart the subsidy scheme to provide relief to the sector.
Apart from financial concerns, D’Souza highlighted a growing labour shortage in the fishing industry, stating that many vessel owners are struggling to find sufficient crew members to operate fishing boats effectively.
He said workers from states like Odisha and Jharkhand have traditionally formed a vital part of the fishing workforce and continue to be essential for the smooth functioning of the industry.
Appealing to the government, D’Souza called for immediate engagement with stakeholders and the introduction of supportive measures to reduce the financial burden on fishermen.
He said timely intervention, including restoration of the fuel subsidy, would help sustain livelihoods and ensure the continued growth of Goa’s traditional fishing industry, which supports thousands of families.
