The State government will establish bunks across the coastal belt to provide traditional fishermen with white kerosene (superior kerosene oil) at subsidised rates, said Fisheries and Ports Minister K. Babu.
The Kerala State Cooperative Federation for Fisheries Development (Matsyafed) has been entrusted with the task of acquiring the required plots that are currently under the possession of the Fisheries and Harbour Engineering Departments, said a release issued from the office of the Minister.
The proposal is expected to benefit nearly 22,000 families of fishermen belonging to nine coastal districts in the State. The bunks will come up at Vizhinjam, Mariyanad (in Thiruvananathapuram), Neendakara (in Kollam), Valanjavazhi, Arthunkal (in Alappuzha), Thoppumpady (in Ernakulam), Azhikode hatchery compound (in Thrissur), Unniyal, Ponnani fishing harbour (in Malappuram), Puthiyappu (in Kozhikode), Mappilla Bay fishing harbour (in Kannur) and Kasaba ice plant (in Kasaragod).
Traditional fishermen using vessels with outboard engines would be provided 137 to 188 litres of subsidised kerosene, depending on the engine power of the vehicle. A subsidy of Rs.25 a litre of kerosene would be provided to the beneficiaries.
Mr. Babu also informed that Matsyafed had been directed to initiate the proceedings for obtaining the required land in Ernakulam on lease from the Cochin Port Trust.
The Minister said an amount of Rs. 48.60 crore has been sanctioned for a new savings scheme that is being instituted for fishermen. The proposed scheme is estimated to have 2,33,206 beneficiaries, each of whom will be provided financial assistance of Rs. 2,700 each in three equal instalments. While the beneficiaries’ share towards the scheme has been set at Rs. 16.20 crore, the remaining amount of Rs. 32.40 crore will be provided by the Union and State governments.
