Issue of subsidy policy sent to sub-committee

The Public Accounts Committee has forwarded the issue of policies on giving subsidies to fishermen and farmers for discussion by the sub-committee.

This decision was passed after it was proposed by R. Maduvvari MP Visam Ali at the committee meeting held this afternoon.

The sub-committee is composed of two members representing MDP, and one member each from PPM, DRP and Jumhooree Party.

MVR 100 million was allocated as subsidies for fishermen, and MVR 50 million as subsidies for farmers in the state budget for 2013.

Fishermen’s fuel subsidy amounts are decided based on the horsepower of the vessel’s engine. They are divided into engines of lower than 72 horsepower, between 72 and 300 horsepower, and 150 horsepower.

Last year, 124 vessels were registered at Fisheries Ministry for fuel subsidy, while 7,453 farmers were registered for farmers’ subsidy. Following numerous complaints regarding this registry, Fisheries Ministry has said that discussions will be held with councils to determine the accurate number of farmers who deserve subsidies.

Last year, only MVR10.8 million was disbursed out of the MVR100 million allocated in the budget as fishermen’s subsidy.