Vizhinjam: Will provide Rs 8000 as house rent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government on Monday announced Rs 8000 per month as house rent for those fishermen to be rehabilitated in Vizhinjam. It also announced in the assembly that it will provide minimum wages for those who lose their jobs due to adverse weather conditions. The construction of the port will be completed in time.

The government had earlier fixed a rent of Rs 5500 per month. An additional amount of Rs 2500 will be paid from the port company's CSR share. Minister Ahmed Devarkovil said that the government has informed the protesters about this. Those who lost their homes after 2019 will be relocated.

No other states in the country have announced a minimum wage for those out of work due to inclement weather. As it is not available from the budget allocation of the Fisheries Department, it has been referred to the Planning Board for consideration.

Two expert committees to study coastal erosion meet every six months. A four-member committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Dr Kudale to study the allegation that port construction is causing coastal erosion. The committee will propose solutions to the concerns of local residents. The report of the Green Tribunal Committees states that there will be no coastal erosion due to port construction.

Dredging is being done to remove the sandbar that has formed due to the unscientific construction of Muthalappozhi. The Central Water and Power Research Station in Pune has been tasked with finding a permanent solution.

The state government cannot accept the demand that kerosene should be provided for Rs 25 per litre. The Centre is not ready to reduce the price. If the subsidy of 25 rupees provided by the state is increased, it will become a huge financial liability for the state. There are three and a half lakh fishermen here.

The government will provide a subsidy for the conversion of the kerosene engine. 7 litres of kerosene is provided free of charge as fishing boats have to travel longer distances due to port construction. It costs Rs 23 crores. This will increase to Rs 41 crore this year due to high prices.