The Hindu Business Line : Second phase of ‘Matsya Kerala’ from this month

‘Matysa Kerala’ intends to raise inland fish production from 75,000 tonnes to two lakh tonnes and improve the productivity of inland/brackish water aquaculture.

Replying to questions in the State Assembly, Mr Sarma said that the accident insurance scheme for fishermen had been increased from Rs 1.5 lakh to Rs. 3 lakh.

The Muthalapozhi harbour was expected to be commissioned this year. An expert committee report for setting up a fisheries university in the State had been forwarded to the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and the University Grants Commission (UGC) for approval.

The Finance Minister, Dr T. M. Thomas Isaac, has said that financial restructuring and tax concession were not the right solutions to help the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) trim its losses.

Replying to questions on behalf of the Chief Minister, he said that the public sector utility continued to post a loss despite higher a revenue base in recent times.

The Government is willing to consider the proposal to treat housing loans availed of by Government employees from banks and financial institutions as Government loans.

Steps would be taken to provide funds for extending housing loans to Government employees. E-payment of commercial taxes would come into force from September, the Finance Minister added.

The Local Self-Government Minister, Mr Paloli Mohammed Kutty, said that a high-level committee would be formed to monitor implementation of Plan projects and avert delays.

ACCIDENT TOLL

Road accidents had claimed 1,671 lives in the State between January and May this year. The toll was 1,634 during the corresponding period in the previous year.

While 193 persons were killed in Thiruvananthapuram district (55 in the city and 138 in the rural areas), Ernakulam accounted for 200 (56 in the city and 144 in the rural limits).

Women’s helpline at district headquarters will be extended to all police stations in due course.

A coordination committee under the Home Secretary is monitoring the joint operations of the police and Central agencies in the coastal areas.

The Centre has sanctioned Rs 23 crore as one-time assistance for setting up the India Reserve Battalion.

The Government has decided to set up five new police stations this year, according to the Home Minister, Mr Kodiyeri Balakrishnan.

Replying to questions, he said new stations would be opened in New Mahe, Vidya Nagar in Kasaragod, Thalayolaparambu, Aluva East and Puthoor.