To strengthen coastal security measures, fishermen who do not carry an original copy of their Aadhaar card when going to sea would be fined Rs 1000. The latest measure is taken in the light of a report prepared by the Kerala Police Intelligence Wing and Special Branch.
Previously, authorities received reports of drug smuggling and infiltration by members of terrorist organisations via sea. In 2018, it was mandated that seafarers carry an identification card.
Even the owners are unaware of the identities of those employed in their fishing boats. Furthermore, Bengal and Odisha natives are active in coastal areas in Kerala, and many hold fake identification cards.
Meanwhile, many traditional fishermen have expressed their disapproval over the need to carry the original copy of the Aadhaar cards. They point out practical difficulties in this regard. Fishermen demand that they be allowed to keep copies of the documents.