Pics by Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi(HB)
Udupi, Feb 20: The government is continuing with its sincere efforts to trace missing fishermen on boat Suvarna Tribhuja, said BJP national vice president Avinash Rai Khanna.
He was speaking at ‘Bharat Ki Mann Ki Baat’, an interaction programme with Udupi fishermen held at Sharada International Hotel, Udupi, here on Wednesday, February 20.
“If anyone wants more information they are free to ask us. If anybody knows any information regarding missing fishermen, let us know and we will get them back,” Avinash assured.
Khanna also spoke on how adulteration in vegetables, cereals and grains has affected the country. Pointing out that adulteration has not entered the fishing industry, he appreciated the fishermen for their sincere efforts for giving consumers fresh fish.
“The government introduced Jan-Dhan Yojana, to reduce the gap between rich and poor. Today subsidy amount is directly being deposited in bank account which would have otherwise gone to middlemen or commission agents,” he said.
“The NDA government is providing all basic infrastructures to complete house, gas facility, electricity and toilets etc. The government is putting its best effort to fulfill its promises. People will get hundreds of examples on ‘Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas,” he said.
“Our country has such great leaders like Modi, and his name is being highlighted across the world, because of his hard work. That is how, India stands in third place in the world regarding progress. Modi gave permission to conduct surgical strike in Pakistan and killed terrorists. He took many firm decisions to safeguard India. Now India is in 6th rank in the world, because of its economic power. India is progressing in all fields,” said Avinash.
Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Shobha Karandlaje alleged, “The central government is providing 3 per cent incentives for the farmers, but it has not reached a single farmer or loan borrower in four years. This is because the state government is pocketing the money.”
The Central government has sent Khanna to study the problems of fishermen and his recommendations will be added to national election manifesto, she said.
“The disappearance of Suvarna Tribhuja boat has remained a mystery. It is not found anywhere even though concerned departments have honestly put efforts to trace the same. This is disappointing and the entire coastal area is in grief. Fishermen are afraid to go for fishing activity. We still have hope and have conducted search operations in all angles. We brought it to the notice of central government. Today it is 68th day that the fishermen are missing. A single clue was not found,” she said.
She urged removal of cess on diesel for fishermen. “There is 5% GST on fishing associated industries. That should be removed. Finance minister Arun Jaitley has also agreed to it partially,” she said.
“Prime minister is working towards protection of our country, development of nation, eradication of corruption and to get respect, identity in foreign and abroad countries. He has worked for the integrated development of our nation. For that he has planned so many schemes and plans like insurance. The Ayushman Bharath card was sent to beneficiaries through post and it is a historical decision. There is BJP in most of the states, but in Karnataka the state government became a hurdle for implementing central government plans,” she said.
Udupi MLA Raghupathi Bhat, opposition leader Kota Srinivas Poojary, Kaup MLA Lalaji Mendon, BJP district secretaries Yashpal Suvarna, Kuylady Suresh Naik, Kutyar Naveen Shetty, Prasad Kumar Belthangady, zilla panchayat president Dinakar Babu, former municipal councilor Mahesh Thakur, Fisherman leaders participated in interaction programme.