The residential system at State-run fisheries schools will be revamped from next academic year by admitting 50% day scholars. Announcing this at a news conference here on Tuesday, Minister for Fisheries and Harbour Engineering J. Mercykutty Amma said the residential fisheries schools now followed 100% boarding school pattern. But from next year, there would be only 50% residential students in these schools. Unlike in the past, parents were now reluctant to send their children to hostels. This attitude resulted in a decline in the number of students joining the residential schools. Hence, the decision to admit 50% day scholars, she said. The Minister said the government would help fishermen’s children acquire skills in different jobs. Development works She said the government would tap the fishing centres and harbours for their tourism potential. She said that though the government had given priority to development of coastal roads, most of the projects could not be implemented following opposition from the fishing community. Koyilandy harbour The renovated fishing harbour at Koyilandy would be commissioned in June, she said adding that out of Rs. 63.9 crore allotted to the harbour project Rs. 40 crore had been spent till now. She visited Vellayil, Puthiyappa and Beypore harbours in the district. Government will help fishermen’s children acquire skills in different jobs, says Minister
2017, The Hindu.