The Kerala Sastra Sahithya Parishad (KSSP) conducted a two-day survey in coastal villages of the district to study the socio-economic life of the people there as part of preparing a report on the issues faced by fish workers and other people living in coastal areas. The survey was held in 10 fishing villages here on July 30 and 31 in association with the Matsya Thozhilali Union. The KSSP functionaries involved in the survey work said that the data collected by nearly 1,000 investigators grouped under 210 squads were being analysed for preparing the report. A pilot survey was conducted earlier on July 2 and 3 at the fishing village of Chalil Gopalpeta at Thalassery. According to the KSSP functionaries, the pilot study showed that the living condition of fishermen’s families in the district was no better than that of Adivasis. The district had 5,500 fish workers’ families living in 12 fishing villages. Pilot survey findings The pilot survey covered 352 families residing at Chalil Gopalpeta. As many as 211 families are those of fish workers. Of nearly 2,000 people residing in the area, 628 completed their high school education and 367 upper primary education. As many as 648 people have been identified as unemployed. The monthly income of over 600 people there are below Rs.6,000.
2016, The Hindu