Rahul Gandhi Writes to PM, Requests Aid for Fishermen After Ockhi

Rahul Gandhi says he is certain that “the government will look into and address these issues as top priority.”

Congress President Rahul Gandhi. 

(File photo: PTI)

Cyclone Ockhi has had a devastating impact in parts of South India, claiming lives and causing destruction of livelihoods. Following his visit to cyclone hit areas of Kerala and Tamil Nadu on 14 December, Congress President Rahul Gandhi has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting him to look into the issue with urgency, and provide adequate relief to the fishermen reeling from the impact of this environmental tragedy.

In his letter, Rahul Gandhi has requested a special financial package for rehabilitation and financial assistance for the families of the deceased, adequate measures for strengthening the weather update system, and advance cyclone warning communication mechanism, as well as construction of sea walls and groynes in the vulnerable sea coasts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

In this time of grief and pain, it is but appropriate that you will be visiting the affected regions in the coming days. I visited some of the affected areas in Kerala and Tamil Nadu on the 14 December 2017. I felt first-hand the immense pain and grief that this tragedy has brought to our people. As families mourn the loss of loved ones, others wait in hope and fear for those who have still not returned from the sea.

Rahul Gandhi, in his letter to the PM

Rahul Gandhi has also pointed out that the fishermen, being the most underprivileged section of the contemporary Indian society, yearn for the Government's help and that they deserve it. The newly elected Congress President also states that despite the fact that fishermen are an important economic resource in India, their living standard and quality of life are relatively poorer than other marginalised communities.

May I point out that lakhs of fishermen in the coastal region depend solely on fishing and related activities as their only means of livelihood. They are a vital economic resource for our economy. Despite this, they are comparatively backward vis-à-vis the other marginalised communities in terms of living standards and quality of life. I urge you to take holistic measures for ensuring housing, basic health services, and quality education for children.

He has ended the letter expressing his certainty of the fact that "the government will look into and address these issues as top priority."

Screenshot of Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s letter to PM Modi

Screenshot of Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s letter to PM Modi