Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS/HB) 

Udupi, Sep 25: "There are 58 fish meal factories in the country. Out of this, there are around 22 in Karnataka. Including fine and GST the amount goes up to Rs 600 crore. Now the Karnataka state has to pay Rs 300 crore by way of tax. The Fish meal factory owners are continuously on strike since a month protesting against this rule. Now union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had discussed the issue with the GST council and completely waived it. I thank the finance minster and MP Shobha for the same," said MLA Raghupati Bhat. 

Bhat was speaking to the media at the Udupi press club. He further said, "Fish meal factory owners are not so financially poor that they cannot pay the tax. However, now they have benefitted greatly. This concession is given keeping in mind the welfare of poor fishermen." 

Responding about Suvarna Tribhuja tragedy, Bhat said, "An appeal is already submitted to Rajnath Singh and Nirmala Sitharaman to conduct an inquiry of INS Kochi and also to give maximum compensation to the families of the fishermen who are missing in the tragedy." 

Regarding the availability of sand in the district, the MLA said, "In another two days time, sand will be available in the district. Approval letter will be given to 158 new and 21 old permit holders to start sand mining." 

"According to survey nearly five lac tonnes of sand is available in the district. However, only three lac tonnes can be used out of this stock. This may be sufficient for two months. Though there is sand in Havanje and Barkur, the blocks are not identified. The sand needs to be extracted in a traditional manner. 

"If anyone takes more than Rs 5,500 for three units of sand, public can file complaint with the Deputy Commissioner." 

Yashpal Suvarna, president, Dakshina Kannada fish marketing federation, Satish Kunder, former president, Malpe fishermen association and others were present.