₹2 lakh crore investment in renewable energy sector expected in coastal region in next five years: Bommai

The Chief Minister says that the State government will provide subsidy to fishermen who are using kerosene-based motor boats to upgrade them to petrol-operated ones and that the demand of fishermen for allotment of more kerosene will be discussed with the Union government

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Monday that about ₹2 lakh crore investment in the renewable energy sector is expected in the coastal belt in the next five years.

Addressing a Jan Sankalp Yatra of the BJP at Kaup near Udupi, Mr. Bommai said that the focus of the recently concluded Global Investors Meet in Bengaluru was on investment in renewable energy sector.

The government is expecting more investment in Mangaluru, Udupi and Karwar regions where there is abundant renewable energy. It will create employment opportunities for youth.

The Chief Minister said that the State government will provide subsidy to fishermen who are using kerosene-based motor boats to upgrade them to petrol-operated motor boats. The demand of fishermen for allotment of more kerosene will be discussed with the Union government.

The State government will extend Vidya Nidhi scheme to about two lakh students belonging to the fishermen community in a few months from now. The government has already covered children of farm workers under the scheme, he said.

Mr. Bommai said that the State government has given approval for the government procuring locally grown paddy in the coastal belt and distribute par-boiled rice to BPL card holders under the public distribution system. It will meet the long-pending demand of the people of the coastal belt.

The Chief Minister said that 100 high speed boats will be distributed to fishermen in this financial year. Of these, 40% of boats will be given at subsidised rate. Depending upon the response from fishermen, the allotment (number) of high speed boats will be increased.