Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (ANK)

Udupi, Apr 10: Fisheries and Animal Husbandry minister Venkatrao Nadagouda on Wednedsay, April 10 said that necessary funds have been reserved in the budget for equipment which will be used to help fishing boats in danger in sea.

Addressing media here Nadagowda said, "We have put our best efforts to trace the missing fishing boat. So far, we have been unable to get any information about the same. I met the families of the missing fishermen. The government has released Rs one lac for families of the missing fishermen as temporary relief.

"The government has also released Rs 3 crore as of now to be utilised in finding missing boats or fishing boats which face similar danger. We have asked for an appointment with the union home minister, which we are unable to get so far. After the incident, as per demands of ISRO, decision has been taken to install equipments in boat due to which they can be traced when they are in danger.

“We will be able to get accurate information about boats when they are in danger through the equipment fitted in it. Soon after the election, meeting will be held with the leaders of fishing sector and discussion over the installation of equipments to boats will also be held,” he said.

Responding to BJP's allegations that the state government is showing lack of interest in the search operation, the minister said, “Five fishermen missing belong to MP and minister Ananth Kumar Hegde's native. Did he even visit any fishermen's house? Does he not have any kind of responsibility? He is an MP and a minister and yet does not show any responsibility.”