Bhatkal: Fisheries and Inland Ports Minister Mankal Vaidya launched the distribution of kerosene to traditional motorized fishing boat owners at Tenginagundi fishing port , Bhatkal on Wednesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Vaidya said that this is the first time in the history of state fisheries that industrial kerosene is being distributed to traditional motorized fishing boat owners at a concessional rate. He said that the previous BJP government had failed to provide kerosene to the fishermen, which had caused them a lot of hardship.

Vaidya said that the state government is buying industrial kerosene at Rs 92 per litre and providing it to the fishermen at Rs 57 per litre. This means that the state government is providing a subsidy of Rs 35 per litre to the fishermen. He said that if the central government is willing to provide further assistance, the fishermen could get an even bigger discount.

Vaidya also said that the state government is committed to the welfare of the fishermen and will do everything possible to help them. He urged the fishermen to make use of the government's schemes and programs.