The increase in budgetary allocation for the fisheries sector from Rs. 408 crore to Rs. 586 crore is inadequate to redress the crisis facing the sector, Kerala Matsyathozhilali Aikyavedi (TUCI) has said. The living conditions of most fishermen are deplorable, though they make fish available to all. Fish catch has halved in the past three years owing to unscientific fishing methods and marine pollution. Demonetisation further affected the sector, said Aikyavedi State president Charles George. Bus operators All Kerala Bus Operators’ Forum has said the government is doing little to address operators’ concerns. The sector has been given nothing in the Budget. The government must reduce sales tax on diesel from 25% to 5%, said AKBOF general secretary Johnson Payyapilly.