"The fishermen had made demands, including rebate of Rs 4 per litre of diesel, provide loan at 4 per cent interest and passing a suitable legislation to ensure safety beyond 12 nautical miles in sea," Naik said.
Pawar had assured that the demands would be considered positively, at a meeting held on April 26, Naik said. However, instead of taking positive decisions, Pawar has ditched fishermen who will now launch an agitation, Naik told reporters.
There was need for a legislation to maintain law and order in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as there have been frequent attacks on fishermen fishing beyond 12 nautical miles, he said.
"Pawar had assured that the Bill is under consideration. We have now received Pawar's letter dated September 21, which says subsidy would be provided only to below fishermen living below the poverty line. Regarding the rate of interest, Pawar says that the matter would be proposed for incorporation in the revised schemes for 12th plan", Naik said.