Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Aug 27: "Delay in payment of central government’s share has been a major hurdle in completion of fisheries projects across coastal Karnataka" said minister of fisheries and sports Pramod Madhwaraj. He was speaking at deputy commissioner’s (DC) office on Friday, August 26.

Madhwaraj held a review meeting at DC’s office after inaugurating a Jetty at Bengre and inspected the third phase of work at old port at Bunder. Speaking on the occasion he said "The major hurdle faced by big fishing projects is pending of central governments share since all fisheries projects have big budgets. When UPA was in power, 75 per cent was contributed by the government of India for all fisheries projects. But now current Modi led government has reduced it to 50 per cent. That has increased the burden on state governments. So I urge the Prime Minister to hold meeting with all state fisheries ministers and increase the share of union government of India to 75 per cent,”

"Kulai Jetty is being constructed at the cost of Rs 230 crore, CRZ clearance has already been obtained and environment clearance is awaited. But the major issue is how to share the cost. Third phase of Mangaluru Jetty is stalled because of non-payment to contractors since the central governments share of Rs 33 crore is still pending. I will take a delegation of MPs from coastal region and meet agriculture minister in Delhi on September 27, 28 and 29 and request him to increase the share to 75 per cent." Madhwaraj added.

"I have noticed that the road which connects Hoige Bazar is in bad shape and there is scarcity of water and lighting. Little bit of dredging, water and lighting facilities would solve 50 per cent of the problems of the fishermen. Therefore I have asked the engineers to prepare an action plan and will request the Chief Minister to sanction funds for them.", he said.

Mangaluru South MLA J R Lobo was present.