In a scathing attack on the Congress <g data-gr-id="41">over fishing</g> ban issue, Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh on Wednesday said that party vice-president Rahul Gandhi was unaware of the fact that it was the UPA government, which had suggested the entry of foreign ships in Exclusive Economic Zone.
“It was the B <g data-gr-id="30">Meenakumari</g> Committee constituted during UPA regime that had suggested for <g data-gr-id="34">ban</g> on fishing, which was rejected by the NDA government. Gandhi is making allegations without knowledge of the fact, which shows that the Congress vice-president’s complete ignorance,” the minister said.
Taking a jibe on Gandhi scion’s non-familiarity with issues, Singh said, “I feel pity for Rahul Gandhi, who jumps into the ring without any knowledge on a matter.”
Defending the extension of fishing ban in high seas from 47 to 61 days, Singh said the decision was taken, after getting the consent of states and was based on recommendations of a committee that was set up by during the UPA regime.
“The fishing ban has not been imposed for the first time. This practice is being followed for the past two decades to ensure the conservation of fish during its breeding period. <g data-gr-id="38">Fishing</g> ban is imposed during the monsoon season. Since the sea becomes turbulent during the period, the ban is necessary to protect <g data-gr-id="36">life</g> of fishermen,” said Singh, while charging Gandhi for being cut-off from ground realities.
The Union Agriculture Minister was speaking on the launch of a website of multi-state cooperative societies.
Gandhi had on Monday alleged that the government had extended the ban on <g data-gr-id="26">fishing,</g> while allowing foreign trawlers to continue the activity. He also demanded that the government immediately withdrew the ban.
Singh, whose ministry handles the matter, said, “Fishing ban in the Exclusive Economic Zone has been extended from 47 to 61 days based on the recommendation of a committee of scientists. The committee has recommended ban in the east coast from April 15 till June 14, while and from June 1 to July 31 in the west coast.”