Lok Sabha Debates
Regarding Blue Economy Policy -Laid. on 15 March, 2021
Seventeenth Loksabha pan> Title: Regarding Blue Economy Policy -laid.
Dr. SHASHI THAROOR (THIRUVANANTHAPURAM) : I wish to draw the attention of the Honourable Minister of Earth Sciences to the concerns surrounding the recently released draft of the Blue Economy Policy.
Seeking to regulate the marine resources of our country and the allied economy, the Policy is set to have far-reaching implications on the lives of coastal communities. Despite this, only a ten-day period was allowed for inviting suggestions on the Policy. Further, the unavailability of the document in the local vernaculars precluded the Policy benefiting from the inputs of the fisherfolk who are well-versed with the on-ground conditions.
I would, therefore, urge the Minister to release copies in all regional languages, extend the window for seeking comments, undertake consultations with fishing communities and relevant stakeholders, and introduce the Policy only after their recommendations have been incorporated so that a comprehensive Policy can be devised that contributes effectively to the growth of our blue economy.