'NDA govt responded to the needs of fishermen'

Kaup MLA Lalaji R Mendon said the BJP-led NDA government at centre had responded to the needs of fishermen and had introduced many welfare programmes for the community.

Mendon told mediapersons here, on Saturday, that the government had initiated measures to set up separate ministry for fisheries.

The fishermen are known for their bravery and are also staunch followers of Hinduism, Mendon said and added that BJP was another face of Hindutva, which was promoting the secular religious beliefs.

The MLA said that Sagar Mala was another programme which had facilitated the development of the ports and harbours across the coast.

Emphasising on the programmes elaborated in BJP’s poll manifesto, Mendon said Rs 10,000 crore was set aside for upgrading cold storage units. “Besides programmes aiming at upgrading basic infrastructural facilities, there were plans to promote and develop aquaculture. The manifesto also promises to promote and market the ornamental fishes,” he added.

MLA Raghupathi Bhat said the Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari would participate in two rallies planned in Brahmavar and Malpe in the district on April 15.