Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Feb 27: The fisher folk in coastal Karnataka have been suffering on account of hike in diesel prices. In addition, they are facing the problem of non-disbursal of diesel subsidy to which they are eligible, by the state government from the last four months. The diesel subsidy dues have soared to Rs 25 crore.

The sales tax portion of the diesel price is being reimbursed by the state government in the form of subsidy. Per month, a big fishing boat on an average, gets a subsidy up to 9,000 litres per month. Thousands of boats here are getting that facility. This amount used to be credited to the bank accounts of fishermen every month. The government had released a subsidy amount promptly till October but from November onwards, the fishermen are waiting for the subsidy that has not yet come.

Fisheries department claims that about Rs 75 crore is due to be released to the fishermen in the coast in the form of subsidy. Sales tax which was eight rupees in the past has now gone up to Rs 14. It is said that there is delay in release of subsidy as the government is grappling with the problem of weak finances cause by the coronavirus pandemic. Minister, Angara, has promised to give top priority to the issue of releasing the subsidy.

Fishermen leader Mohan Bengre, notes that a boat needs 6,000 to 6,500 litres of diesel for each fishing trip. He points out that the diesel price which hovered around Rs 68 at this time last year, has gone up to Rs 80, which has made it difficult to undertake fishing activity. Even other things like rope, salary of workers, nets, steel items, ice etc are costing much more. Therefore, 70 percent of deep sea boats have already been moored and only a few boats are continuing to undertake trips, he stated.

Deputy director of fisheries, Parshwanath, said that the issue of pending diesel subsidy has been taken up with the government and there is information that the same would be released shortly.