M'lore port to be upgraded soon:Chief Minister

Yeddyurappa inaugurates National Fishermen conference

Addressing the inaugural programme of national fishermen conference organised by BJP’s National Fishermen’s Cell in Mangalore, the CM said that the port will upgraded to all season fisheries harbour soon.

The CM said that ever since BJP government came to power in the state, farmers, fishermen and weavers have been given more importance, which no other government did.

“Fishermen community is facing various problems across the country and the state government will support all the attempts made to bring these problems to the notice of the central government. The resolutions of the Conference will be taken seriously by the Government all steps will be taken to implement the same,” the CM said.

Recalling the decision of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee of banning foreign companies from fishing in Indian coast, the CM said that the centre too should follow the same policy. “Today there are foreign companies exploiting our fish resources blatantly. Centre should stop this immediately,” he said.

BJP National Secretary Muraleedhar Rao said that Karnataka is the only state where fishermen are being given so many facilities.

“This is the only state where rebate on diesel can be availed by the fishermen. Though Maharashtra government gives reimbursement for diesel, it is not done effectively. Karnataka is the only state providing credit at low interest rates to fishermen,” said Rao adding that centre needs to take pro active measures to safeguard the fishermen.

Citing examples of how more than 275 Indian fishermen and over 500 confiscated boats are in Pakistan’s custody, Rao said that the centre is not even thinking on the lines of releasing the innocent fishermen and their property. Rao also vouched for ‘fishermen policy’ in the country.

National Fishermen Cell Convener Prakash Malgave presided. Assembly Deputy Speaker N Yogish Bhat, Minister for Fisheries Krishna J Palemar, former union minister for petroleum Rama Naik, MPs Nalin Kumar Kateel, D V Sadananda Gowda among others were present.

Fishermen representatives from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Diu Daman, Goa and Lakshadweep took part in the programme.