21/06/2009

INDIA: less fuel subsidies for fishermen in the State of Orissa

Recent news in the Indian press echo the resistance from fishermen in the State of Orissa to cuts in subsidies to fuel.

According to the “Times of India” fishermen using motorised vessels received in the past a subsidy of Rs 1.5 (USD 0.03) per litre. The authorities want now to remove this general subsidy to motorised vessels and replace the scheme with a Rs 3 (USD 0.06) per litre but only for fishermen under the poverty line.

The Orissa Traditional Fish Workers Union (OTFWU) has voiced its opposition to the measure because, as many poor fishermen do not have a motorised vessel, very few people will benefit from the new scheme.

Here is the link to article from the “Times of India” with the above news:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Bhubaneswar/Fishermen-oppose-Centres-cut-in-diesel-subsidy/articleshow/4664099.cms

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