Pics: Savitha B R
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (PS)
Mangalore, Apr 16: “The government should take stringent action against the scarcity of fish due to deep sea fishing by the fishermen of other states”, said the Karnataka Fisheries Development Corporation (KFDC) chairman Ramachandra Baikampady.
He was delivering the keynote address at the felicitation ceremony for CM Yeddyurappa for providing fisherwomen with Rs 50,000 loan at three per cent annual interest. It was organized by Karnataka State BJP Fisheries Forum, DK District Fishery Trading Women’s Federation at Town Hall here on Saturday April 16.
He also said that let satellite based fisheries which is prevalent in the state of Gujarath be practiced in Karnataka too with the government with an agreement with ISRO and added that let there be a revolution in fisheries and improvement in the life of hidden people in the same venture.
A satellite-enabled global positioning system (GPS) called fish-finders, installed on the boats, will show location of catch with accuracy along the 1,600-km long coastline.
Speaking on the occasion CM Yeddyurappa said that till 2400 fisherwomen are availed with loan facilities with the loan amount mounting to Rs 12 Crore. The timely repayment of the loan by fisherwomen has provoked the government to take up more such task. He added that the BJP led state government is in support of ‘farmers’, weavers’, and fishermen or women. He also said Rs 1,000 monthly grant for 45- year-old but unmarried fisherwomen is aimed at women empowerment.
Pointing out that fisheries field has gained momentum as per the income level is considered, he stressed that there should be proper shelter for every fisherman family in the near future without giving any room for their discomfort in life.
He also said that the state government stood by the promise of availing grant money for ice factories by exempting 4 % vat and relaxation in electricity bill.
Yogini Hosabettu submitted a memorandum to the vote of thanks. Udayavani Bureau Chief Manohar Prasad compered the programme.