The State government has directed the Finance Department to release funds for the supply of subsidised kerosene being used in country boats.
Speaking to reporters, Fisheries Minister Abhayachandra said that the fishermen using country boats had been deprived of kerosene at a subsidised rate from this harvesting season following the decision by the Finance Department.
“I have brought this to the notice of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who also holds the Finance portfolio. I requested him to resume the supply of the subsidised quota of kerosene. He agreed to this immediately,” he noted.
The CM has already directed the Finance Department in this regard. “The fishermen would get 150 litres of kerosene per month at subsidised rates from next week itself,” he explained.
He said that Siddaramaiah, in his budget, has also promised to increase the quantum of subsidised kerosene from the present 150 litres to 400 litres. This would be implemented soon, he noted. “The total burden on the State exchequer following enhanced kerosene quota would account for over Rs 65 crore a year,” he said.
He said the government would construct 4,000 houses for the fishermen under the ‘Mathsya Ashraya’ scheme.
“Each beneficiary would get Rs 1.20 lakh as housing subsidy,” he said.
Abhayachandra, who also holds the Youth Services portfolio, said that the department would take measures to popularise rural sports, including Kabaddi and Kambala.
He also promised to protect the interests of the State-owned Jakkur Flying School in Bangalore. “We have noticed that a flyover is coming up near the flying school. It may come in the way of the activities there,” he observed.