Assessment of Socio-economic status of Fishers across Different Sectors in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

The study found that the measures for improving literacy and health facilities created a positive impact on the livelihoods of the fisher community. The education and health standards are comparable with any other sector in the state providing ample opportunities for the upliftment of the fishers in the future. Over the years, due to the seasonality of the fishing operations and higher gestation period in culture sector, the fishers often diversified their income sources which include business, agriculture, labour, services and others. However due to increasing expenditure on account of maintaining the living standard, they are still engulfed in the vicious circle of poverty due to increased debt and lack of savings. Hence, appropriate measures need to be initiated to develop alternative avocations to improve income and standard of living