Bhatkal: MLA Mankal Vaidya dispensed various fishing equipments to the fishermen belonging to the backward communities. 

An amount of 230.70 lakh rupees has been sanctioned out of which 60 people received small boats, 45 fishermen received machine based boats and 3 fishermen were provided with transport.  Out of 81.70 lakh rupees reserved for backward classes, 10 received smaller boats, 15 fishermen received machine based boats and 3 fishermen were provided with vehicles. 

Speaking to the reporters, Mankal Vaidya said that the State Government has sanctioned 5 crore rupees to the Bhatkal and Honnavar fishermen and no other fishermen of any region have received such privileges. 3.12 crore  rupees has been alloted to Bhatkal Taluk only. This huge amount of money was alloted by CM Siddaramiah and District Incharge Minister RV Deshpande is a proof that they care about the fishermen. He appealed the fishermen to gain all the benefits from this scheme. Head of District Panchayath Jayashri Moger also expressed her views with the reporters. 

On this occasion,Associate director of fishermen department, ML Doddamane, Venkat Ram Hegde, president of taluk Panchayath Ishwar Naik and vice president  Radha Ashok Vaidya, Taluk panchayat Officer CT Naik, Vice - President of fishermen department Dr. Ravi etc were present.