Mangaluru: “Developmental schemes in fisheries department have been declined after Modi government came to power,” said Fisheries and Sports Minister Pramod Madhwaraj.

He was speaking in a meeting of fisheries department at DC office on Friday.

“The Central government was giving 75% of the aid for all fisheries schemes, during UPA tenure. State government had to aid only 25%. Now the Central is giving 50%of the aid. So it becomes difficult to the state to spend much on fisheries department,” he said.

He further said that Rs 230 crore is needed for the construction of Kulai port. Central will give 50% of it. For the third phase work of Mangaluru port Central is yet to give Rs 33 crore. Rs 8 crore is still pending for Malpe port.

“Will hold talks with all the three MP’s of coastal belt on September 28,” he added.

DC Dr Jagadeesh, MLA J R Lobo and others were present.