Udupi: A memorandum listing out demands of fishermen relating to Malpe port in particular and coastal Karnataka in general was handed over to chief minister H.D. Kumaraswamy in Bengaluru by a delegation representing Malpe Fishermen’s Association, led by local MLA K Raghupati Bhat and Kaup MLA Lalaji R Mendon.

The delegation met the CM at his office ‘Krishna’ and put forth their demands. Their demands included the increase in the annual subsidized diesel quota from the current 1.5 lakh kilo litres to two lakh kilo litres. They said that since the last two years, the fishermen had not received the tax refunds they used to get from tax free diesel delivery points. They demanded to hike the monthly kerosene quota for permit holders to 400 litres per month and also sought increase in the loan quantum being granted to fisherwomen’s self help groups to one lakh rupees and to make them interest free loans.

The delegation also demanded that all loans raised by fishermen be waived and that the maintenance work of the slipway at Malpe port be entrusted to fishermen’s association. They seeked permission from the ministry of ports to construct jetty at Malpe Padukere and earmarking of Rs 20 crore grant for the integrated development of Malpe port.