The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Provide fibreglass boats to fishermen: Naidu

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 29, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Provide fibreglass boats to fishermen: Naidu

By Our Special Correspondent

ONGOLE, DEC. 28. The TDP president, N. Chandrababu Naidu, has asked the Government to provide fibreglass boats to all fishermen who had lost their boats in the tidal wave disaster, giving 75 per cent as subsidy and 25 per cent as soft loan with three per cent interest.

Speaking to newspersons here today, he asked the Government to supply 50 kg rice per month to all the affected families till they are rehabilitated to restore their fishing activities. He wanted the Government to draw up a comprehensive plan for reclaiming sandcast salt farms, prawn ponds and agricultural lands.

He ridiculed the Government for estimating losses only at Rs. 30 crores. Saying that the officials would always say that there were no losses, he wanted the Government to project the losses properly and get adequate assistance from Central Government. When his attention was drawn to the reported statement of the Chief Secretary that only Rs. 1,000 could be given as compensation for every damaged boat and Rs. 500 for a damaged net, Mr. Naidu said "If you do not know administration, officials would only cite such rules.''

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