Fishing boats to be run on LPG: Minister

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 10: Kerala Fisheries Minister S Sharma told the State Assembly today that the Government would give permission to fishermen for running their fishing boats on LPG.

Replying to questions by Mr K Sudhakaran and others, he said the Government was taking steps in this regard, considering the shortage of kerosene and also to bring down the operating cost.

Mr Sharma said the Matsyafed was discussing with the Hindustan Petroleum and Indian Oil Corporation officials in this regard.

He said that the annual requirement of kerosene for fishermen in the State was calculated at 131,681 Kilolitre.

Though the Centre had alloted 58,619 Kiloliter kerosene to the State, only 22,582 Kilolitre was received for distribution to the fishermen, he added.

The Fisheries Minister said the Government had decided to increase the monthly pension to the members in the allied fish workers Welfare Board to Rs 100 from the existing Rs 75, he added.

UNI