Minister for Fisheries, Ports and Excise K. Babu has said that the State government will submit a memorandum to the Union government seeking to reverse the recent decision to cut the grants and subsidies for the fishing community.
Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the Udayamperoor modernised fish market, Mr. Babu said the state would convey its objection in a memorandum submitted to the Union Agriculture Minister.
The Minister had earlier expressed his dissatisfaction over the Central government’s move, among others, to cut the fund allocation for the development of coastal areas by the National Fisheries Development Board from 90% to 40%; and to reduce the kerosene allotment from the Central pool.
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Mr. Babu said that the Udayamperoor modernised fish market, a project of the Kerala State Coastal Area Development Corporation (KSCADC), would be completed on time at a total outlay of Rs 1.25 crore.
He said the new fish market would cater to the needs of the fishing community as well as consumers. The project is part of a chain of modernised and hygienic fish markets being set up by the KSCADC across the State.
These markets are being built with support from the National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB).
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The NFDB had sanctioned a total of Rs 105.66 lakh for the construction of a modern fish market at Udayamperoor with the remainder to be borne by the State government.
16 stalls
The 130 square metre retail block will have 16 commercial stalls with facilities for cutting and cleaning fish and a clog-proof drainage system.
The auction block spread over 230.4 square metre will have an auction hall, 10 wholesale units, chill room facility and an effluent treatment plant, besides anti-skid tile floors and quality plumbing and electrical works.
Ernakulam District Panchayat President Eldhose Kunnappillil presided over the ceremony.