Mangaluru: In a recent gathering led by Fisheries Minister Mankala Vaidya, Chethan Bengre, a member of the State Fishermen Sankashta Parihara Nidhi committee, declared an augmentation in the Fishermen Sankashta Nidhi fund, elevating it from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 8 lakh.

Speaking to the press, Bengre conveyed that the State Fishermen Sankashta Parihara Nidhi committee has been restructured, outlining comprehensive programs for the well-being of fishermen. The committee includes members from DK, Udupi, and Uttara Kannada Cooperative Fishermen Federation, along with its President and representatives.

"In the meeting, the decision was made to allocate Rs 1.25 crore as compensation for boats affected by a fire incident in Gangolli and Rs 1 lakh each for boats damaged due to rain in Shiroor," shared Bengre, also holding the position of the vice-president of the KPCC backward classes committee.

He emphasized that the government has been urged to cover 50% of medical expenses, with a cap of Rs 3 lakh, as compensation for any unfortunate incidents during fishing in the Mangaluru fisheries harbor.

Furthermore, Bengre expressed apprehensions about the lack of development at the Mangaluru fisheries harbor over the past 15 years. He disclosed that the development project, amounting to Rs 45.5 crore, is set to kick off in March, encompassing the construction of roads, jetties, a restaurant, and sheds for fishermen to weave nets. The initiative also includes dredging at the estuary, with the first phase of jetty renovation costing Rs 37.5 crore.

"We have petitioned the minister to address the hindrances impeding the initiation of capital dredging under the Sagarmala project, which incurs a cost of Rs 29 crore. Additionally, we have proposed the establishment of an aqua park to generate employment opportunities for local youth," added Bengre.

Moreover, the yearly allocation of subsidized kerosene for fishermen has been augmented from 9,000 to 10,000 liters. Previously distributed on a monthly basis, it will now be supplied once every five months, with each installment consisting of 5,000 liters. Bengre underscored that the minister has affirmatively responded to the difficulties faced by the children of fishermen in obtaining agriculture certificates for education in fisheries college.