AP Fishermen Allege Diversion of Diesel Subsidy Funds

Visakhapatnam: East Coast Mechanised Fishing Boat Owners Association of India has alleged misappropriation of funds related to implementation of various welfare schemes for fishermen, particularly the diesel subsidy programme.

The association has called for an independent investigation into the matter.

Addressing a press conference in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, association president Vasupalli Janakiram alleged that middlemen are diverting diesel subsidies meant for fishermen.

He sought a comprehensive inquiry into subsidy cards, swipe transactions, and beneficiary records.

Janakiram maintained that subsidy cards issued to mechanised and motorised fishing boats have remained non-functional for several months, allegedly due to technical problems.

“Then, how can there be records of transactions made against these cards,” he asked.

The association president disclosed that when some fishermen had complained of their cards remaining inactive, some of the fishermen had been persuaded to surrender their cards on payment of nominal amounts.

Janakiram alleged that these cards had later been used at select retail outlets in Kakinada, which amounts to diversion of funds meant for fishermen.

The association president alleged that politically connected individuals and middlemen could be involved in this racket. He wanted a comprehensive audit of subsidy-card usage.

“The government must release swipe-transaction records for the past two years and verify them against GPS and vessel-movement data,” he stated.

Janakiram expressed concern over non-functioning of the HPCL Consumer Bank at the Visakhapatnam Fishing Harbour.

He questioned why subsidies are being distributed through private retail outlets, instead of fishermen-oriented cooperative mechanisms.

In addition, he sought an inquiry into funds utilised under the Fishermen’s Assurance Scheme.

The association president appealed to Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Fisheries minister Kinjarapu Atchannaidu to order a thorough probe into the irregularities and take corrective action.