BELMAN (UDUPI DISTRICT): The Chief Minister, N. Dharam Singh, said on Tuesday that the Government will consider providing a special package for fishermen.

Addressing presspersons here, he said efforts will be made to rejuvenate the Department of Fisheries so that it can help solve problems faced by fishermen. It is essential to provide housing and other facilities to fishermen, he added.

About sea erosion, he said though sufficient funds have not been provided, the Government will take steps to solve the problem.

On the Nagarjuna and Jindal thermal power projects near Padubidri in Udupi district, Mr. Dharam Singh said the Government is facing a dilemma. Although it wants to support power projects, it has to consider the local people's concerns. The people have to be taken into confidence before implementing projects, he added.

On the revival of the Brahmavar Sugar Factory, he said a feasibility study should be conducted.

The Government, Mr. Dharam Singh said, is not in favour of commercialisation of education and this is clear by the stand it has taken on the admissions imbroglio. Owing to the Government's policy, nearly 600 meritorious students will get admissions to professional courses, he said.

On the performance of the coalition government, the Chief Minister said it has implemented many developmental and pro-people programmes. The agricultural sector has been given importance. The Government is giving loans at six per cent interest in the cooperative sector.

The Union Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar, has lauded the achievements of the State Government. The Plan outlay for Karnataka is the highest, he added.

He said the Cauvery and Krishna Basin works will be completed in 2006. A sum of Rs. 262 crores is being provided for the midday meal scheme.

On the "illegal" projects taken up by the Andhra Pradesh Government in the Krishna Basin, he said an all-party delegation had met the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh.

Steps against naxals

He said there are signs of revival of naxalite activities in the State and the Government will take steps to check them.

Mr. Dharam Singh said the Government is committed to ensuring the implementation of the Rs. 25,000-crore ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) project in Dakshina Kannada.

Earlier, Mr. Dharam Singh offered prayers at Sri Durgaparmeshwari Temple here and participated in "chandika yaga.'' There was tight security near the temple and the anti-naxal squad was deployed.

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